From our earliest years, we are all told about the importance of regular brushing and flossing. Good oral hygiene becomes a habit that carries into adulthood, and the reason we brush and floss is to remove harmful bacteria and plaque from our teeth and gumline. But even the most thorough and disciplined oral hygiene will not achieve a complete cleaning. There are too many areas of our mouth that are hard to reach, and so we can’t quite get all the troublesome bacteria removed. Getting a regularly scheduled dental cleaning, as provided by Dr. David Cannon and the team at Cannon Dental in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the only way to get rid of every bit of plaque and bacteria from your mouth.
How Long Does It Take Plaque to Turn into Tartar?
When plaque is not removed, it will transform into a much more challenging substance to remove called tartar. Tartar causes tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health problems. But how long does it take plaque to turn into tartar? The answer may surprise you. It takes as little as 48 hours for plaque to become tartar. Regular brushing and flossing cannot remove tartar.
What is Tartar?
When plaque is left on teeth, a mineralization process occurs during which plaque turns into tartar. Also called dental calculus, tartar is a hardened plaque that traps stains and bacteria while wreaking mayhem on your oral health. Tartar can collect along your gumline as well as on your teeth. When allowed to remain at your gumline, gum disease will develop. Gum disease, at its earliest stages, is easily treated. When allowed to progress, it becomes a much more serious matter. It is important to understand that when plaque is allowed to transform into tartar, the only way it can be removed is by a professional cleaning. If you see your dentist for regular cleanings, tartar will not be a big concern as it will be regularly removed.
If you are ready to schedule a professional dental cleaning in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, please call Dr. David Cannon at Cannon Dental today by dialing (801) 406-9985.
