Sediment on teeth - where does it come from, what is it and how do you remove it?

Sediment on teeth - where does it come from, what is it and how do you remove it?

On 17 December 202417 December 2024In Polish Dentist in the UK, General Dentistry

Deposit on teeth is a problem that most of us have to deal with. Not only does it negatively affect the aesthetics of the smile, but it can also lead to more serious health problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. In this article, we will discuss where plaque comes from, what it is, whether it can be avoided and how to get rid of it effectively. 

What is plaque on teeth?

Tooth deposit is a layer of plaque that accumulates on the surface of the enamel. It is formed by the accumulation of food debris, bacteria and minerals contained in saliva. It can be whitish, yellowish or brownish in colour, depending on diet, hygiene habits and lifestyle.

Sedimentation is the first stage in the formation of tartar build-up, which is harder and more difficult to remove. Although it is difficult to avoid tartar completely, it is possible to significantly reduce its formation. How?

First and foremost, by taking regular care of your oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and apply dental floss.

Also remember to eat a healthy diet. Avoid excessive consumption of sweets, coffee and tea, and reach for fibre-rich vegetables and fruit, such as carrots and apples.

Equally important are regular visits to the dentist and a professional dental cleaning to remove even hard-to-clean stains. In addition, your dentist will check the condition of your teeth, so he or she can recommend treatment for the slightest worrying changes or cavities. 

The image shows a close-up on a model of decayed teeth. A hand holding a dental instrument is visible to show how deposits on the teeth cause decay to develop.

What if you don't remove the sediment?

This will harden over time and turn into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. You can read more about this in our article "Tartar on teeth - find out how it affects your health".

That's not all! The bacteria in the sludge produce acids that destroy enamel, which can lead to caries. This, if left untreated, leads to inflammation that affects the teeth, but also the whole body. How serious - you can read about this in our test "The impact of teeth on health".

Another consequence of not removing the plaque on the teeth is periodontal disease. Gum disease can turn into periodontitis, which can even end in loosening and loss of teeth. 

Finally, bad breath. The buildup of deposits promotes the growth of the bacteria responsible for unpleasant mouth odour. You can read about other causes in our text "Causes of bad breath and how to get rid of it".

The painting shows a smiling woman brushing her teeth with an orange toothbrush. The woman has red hair and a positive facial expression. In the background is a dental logo.

So how do you get rid of plaque on your teeth?

As we have already mentioned, it is worth starting with 'home remedies' and, more specifically, developing healthy habits. 

The first - the obvious one - is to brush your teeth with a toothbrush of the right hardness and the right toothpaste for you. Do not forget to floss. No toothbrush can remove plaque from between the teeth. If you find flossing difficult, consider an irrigator; read more about it in the article "Tooth irrigator or dental floss".  

We also recommend the use of mouthwashes or antibacterial mouthwashes. And in situations where you don't have a toothbrush or liquid with you after every meal, you can rinse your mouth with clean water. You can also eat a carrot or other hard vegetable to help remove the plaque on your teeth.

The photograph shows a smiling man in a blue dental apron and a woman dressed in a similar fashion, posing in a dental office. Both are standing next to the dental chair, waving their blue-gloved hands. They create a pleasant, professional atmosphere of the medical facility.

However, it is imperative that you remember to visit your dentist regularly and perform hygienization at least once every six months. This treatment includes:

  • scaling, i.e. removal of tartar using ultrasound
  • sandblasting - this is a method of removing deposits and discolouration using a special powder under pressure. You can read more about this in the text "Dental sandblasting in the UK" 
  • polishing, i.e. smoothing the surface of the teeth to reduce the risk of plaque build-up
  • fluoridation - this is the final stage, during which a fluoride-containing agent is applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and increase resistance to decay. 

Deposit on teeth is a natural occurrence, However, these can be controlled through regular hygiene and healthy habits. It is worth remembering that neglecting this problem can lead to more serious oral diseases. Regular visits to the dentist and professional hygiene treatments are the key to a healthy and beautiful smile. 

And when was the last time you went for hygiene? If it was more than 6 months ago welcome to our practice. Together, we will take care of your beautiful, but most importantly, healthy smile.