What is Tartar?
Dental calculus — or “tartar,” as most people refer to it — is a hard substance that builds up on your teeth. It’s formed out of soft dental plaque biofilm that calcifies in place when it’s set on the tooth for too long. Regular brushing and flossing is important for daily plaque removal, but there are often small amounts of buildup left behind. After about 24 hours, the soft plaque hardens into tartar. Once tartar is attached to a tooth, it can’t be brushed or flossed away. Only a dentist or hygienist can clean it off. Our Port Melbourne dentists … Continue reading