| The sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth is called plaque, and is mostly made of bacteria. Some of these bacteria produce byproducts (called toxins or enzymes) that can irritate the tissues that support your teeth. These byproducts can damage the attachment of the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone and teeth.
You can remove plaque with good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth twice a day and cleansing them between them once a day with dental floss or another interdental cleaner. When plaque is removed through good oral hygiene, it builds up along the gum line and increases the risk of developing periodontal disease.
Plaque that is not removed regularly can harden into a rough porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Tartar itself does not seem to cause disease but it may make it more difficult for you to remove plaque so it should be removed regularly. Tartar only can be removed when your teeth are professionally cleaned in the dental office.
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