Hi. Welcome to the Coleman & Dastrup – Dentistry Elevated blog! Many of our patients in the Cornelius, Concord, and Huntersville areas often get a couple of dental terms mixed up. Today, we 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 thoroughly 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 Davidson 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 Mooresville dental patients is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities. Got it?
We hope you’ve found this helpful. If you’re in the Cornelius, Concord, or Huntersville area and need quality dental care, call our office to schedule an appointment today.
Our caring staff would love to answer any questions you have about our services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and veneers.
Contact Coleman & Dastrup – Dentistry Elevated:
704-896-5850
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
460 S Main St Ste 102
Davidson, North Carolina
28036