Cleaning & Hygiene - What is Plaque & Tartar?

To have healthy gums, dental plaque and calculus/tartar should be removed regularly.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.

Calculus/tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus may form above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments. If left, calculus could worsen the inflammation and cause swelling and bleeding of the gum.