Hi. We are Dr. Almeida & Dr. Bell. Welcome to our Lone Tree dental blog! We find that many of our patients in the Highlands Ranch, Greenwood Village, and Littleton areas 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 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 Lone Tree 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 Denver aesthetic dentistry 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, and if you’re in the Highlands Ranch, Greenwood Village, or Littleton area and are in need of quality dental care, call our office at 303-858-9000 to schedule an appointment today.
Our warm and comfortable staff would love to answer any questions you have about our services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and veneers.
Contact Almeida & Bell Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry:
303-858-9000
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
Almeida & Bell Dental – Lone Tree
8683 E Lincoln Ave Ste 200
Lone Tree, Colorado
80124
Almeida & Bell Dental – Denver
9126 57th Ave.
Denver, Colorado
80238
