2007-02-02 20:40:28 · 9 answers · asked by colinthecamel 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Yes it is, tartar was the term used almost 40 years ago
2007-02-02 20:45:46 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. consumerist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tartar is a term used to describe plaque that has been around in the mouth for long enough to turn hard.
Plaque is soft mushy stuff that is most obvious when you wake up in the morning. If you scrape your tooth with a finger nail, white stuff appears. This is plaque. It is made up mainly of bacteria and other bits and bobs that help the bacteria to feed, breed and stick to the teeth.
If you use good brushing technique, then the plaque will be removed and not form long enough to turn into calculus, (the 'proper' name for tartar).
The plaque is what causes teeth to rot, gum disease and smelly breath. Calculus is ugly, causes staining and provides the bacteria in the mushy stuff something easier to stick to than smooth shiny teeth.
2007-02-02 22:05:53 · answer #2 · answered by Elk 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria which is constantly froming on teeth. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect on teeth and where teeth and gums meet.
Plaque build-up is the priomary factor in periodontal (gum) disease. fighting pllaque is a life-long component of oral care.
Plaque begins forming on teeth 4 to 12 hours afetr brushing, which is why it is so important to brush at least twice daily and floss daily.
Plaque which is not removed by regular brushing and flossing can harden into unsightly tartar (also called calculus). This crusty deposit can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar formation may also make it more difficult for you to remove new plaque and bacteria. The prevention of tartar build-up above the gumline has not been shown to have a theraputic effect on gum disease.
2007-02-02 20:50:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, plaque starts first, sticky white stuff, then 1 week or 2 it calcifies mostly from calcium in your saliva and is hard. Calculus can cause plaque to build up faster, but plaque is the main cause of disease.
2007-02-03 00:36:51 · answer #4 · answered by iu ryu 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no....
plaque usually forms in the beging...and then clacifies forming tartar...
plaque could be removed by brushing...but tartar removed by dentist
2007-02-03 02:17:57 · answer #5 · answered by max h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is plaque and tartar is that fuzzy stuff on your teeth if you dont brush
2007-02-02 20:49:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
plaque is the sticky residue you get if you dont brush at least once a day, but it can be brushes away. Tarter is the hard white stuff that collects around our gum line and needs to be scraped away by hygienist
2007-02-06 00:22:13 · answer #7 · answered by nursie_000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A proprietary mouthwash can reduce plaque quite considerably.
2007-02-02 23:19:08 · answer #8 · answered by Alex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think so
2007-02-02 20:44:26 · answer #9 · answered by ALOHA BOY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋