Hi. We are Dr. Kevin Bass. Welcome to my Lansdale dental blog! I find that many of my patients in the Quakertown, Harleysville, and North Penn areas get a couple of dental terms mixed up. Today, I would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities.
Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing. However, if it isn’t removed it can build up and harden into calculus.
Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that also accumulates minerals from food and saliva. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your Lansdale dentist are necessary to remove tartar as well as hard-to-reach plaque.
Plaque and calculus are not cavities, but they can lead to cavities. A cavity is basically a hole in the tooth caused by decay. Because plaque and calculus contain bacteria, the bacteria release acids which accelerate tooth decay and eventually lead to more cavities.
A good rule of thumb for Doylestown dental patients is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities. Got it?
I hope you’ve found this helpful, and if you’re in the Quakertown, Harleysville, or North Penn area and are in need of quality dental care, call our office at 215-368-1424 to schedule an appointment today.
Talk to us about the following treatments:
Porcelain veneers
Dental implants
Teeth whitening
Snoring and sleep apnea treatment
Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:
215-368-1424
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446
