Introduction to Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar are two common dental concerns that can affect children’s oral health if not addressed properly. Understanding what they are and how they form is key to preventing more serious dental issues.
- Plaque: Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on the surface of teeth. It develops when food particles, especially sugars and starches, mix with bacteria in the mouth. Plaque is soft and can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, but if left unchecked, it can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Tartar: Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that has not been properly cleaned off the teeth. Over time, the minerals in saliva cause plaque to harden into tartar, which adheres tightly to the teeth and can only be removed by a dentist during a professional cleaning. Tartar buildup is not only unsightly but also contributes to more severe dental issues, such as gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontal disease.
How Plaque and Tartar Form
- Plaque Forms When Bacteria and Sugars from Food Combine: Plaque begins to form after eating foods that contain sugars and carbohydrates. When these sugars interact with the bacteria naturally present in the mouth, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque will continue to accumulate on teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas like between teeth and along the gumline.
- If Plaque Isn't Removed, It Hardens into Tartar: When plaque is not consistently removed through regular oral hygiene practices, it begins to harden into tartar. Tartar forms both above and below the gumline, leading to a rough surface that makes it easier for more plaque to adhere, causing further issues. Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and requires professional dental care to be removed.
Dangers of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar, if left untreated, can lead to serious oral health problems in children. Understanding these risks helps parents take preventative steps to protect their child’s teeth.
- Plaque Leads to Cavities and Gum Irritation: When plaque builds up on teeth, the bacteria within it produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Plaque can also irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it continues to accumulate, worsening the risk of cavities and gum irritation.
- Tartar Causes More Serious Problems, Like Gum Disease and Tooth Decay: Once plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes much more difficult to remove and creates a rough surface on the teeth where bacteria can thrive. Tartar buildup often leads to more advanced gum disease (periodontitis), which can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and damage to the bones that support teeth.
Signs of Plaque and Tartar in Children
Parents should be aware of the signs of plaque and tartar in their child’s mouth to address these issues early:
- Plaque: Plaque appears as a yellowish, sticky film that forms on the surface of the teeth, especially near the gumline and in between teeth. It may not be immediately visible, but it leaves a slimy feeling on the teeth when they are not brushed regularly.
- Tartar: Tartar forms when plaque is not removed and hardens into tough deposits on the teeth. These deposits may appear yellow or brown and are difficult to remove with brushing or flossing alone. Tartar buildup is often found around the gumline and can lead to gum inflammation.
Preventing Plaque and Tartar: Tips for Parents
Preventing plaque and tartar buildup in children requires consistent oral hygiene habits and regular dental care. Here are some key tips for parents to help keep their child’s teeth healthy:
- Regular Brushing and Flossing Can Prevent Plaque Buildup: Ensure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, focusing on all tooth surfaces, especially along the gumline. Flossing daily is essential for removing plaque between teeth, where a toothbrush may not reach. Teaching your child proper brushing and flossing techniques early can prevent plaque from accumulating and hardening into tartar.
- Schedule Regular Dental Visits to Remove Tartar: Even with good oral hygiene practices, some plaque may still harden into tartar over time. Scheduling regular dental checkups, typically every six months, allows the dentist to professionally clean your child’s teeth and remove any tartar buildup.
Consequences of Ignoring Plaque and Tartar
Ignoring plaque and tartar buildup can have long-lasting consequences for your child's oral health:
- Untreated Plaque Can Lead to Cavities: If plaque is not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities. Cavities can lead to toothaches, infections, and the need for fillings or other dental treatments if left untreated.
- Tartar Increases the Risk of Gum Disease and Tooth Decay: When tartar forms, it becomes much harder to clean, leading to advanced dental issues like gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and tooth decay. Gum disease can cause gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss if it progresses. The longer tartar is left untreated, the greater the risk for these severe dental complications.
How Dentists Treat Plaque and Tartar
Here's how dentists manage these problems:
- Dentists Professionally Clean Teeth to Remove Tartar: During routine dental visits, a pediatric dentist will perform a professional cleaning, known as scaling. The dentist will clean both above and below the gumline to ensure that all tartar deposits are eliminated. This prevents further buildup and helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.
- They Also Provide Education on Oral Hygiene to Prevent Future Plaque Buildup: Along with professional cleanings, pediatric dentists provide guidance on how to prevent plaque buildup at home.
By scheduling regular dental cleanings and following the dentist's advice, parents can help ensure their child’s teeth remain free from plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
