Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms we use.
P
- Plaque
- Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth every day. Brushing and flossing remove it before it hardens into tartar.
S
- Scaling
- Scaling is a professional cleaning that removes tartar from the teeth above and below the gumline, usually followed by polishing.
T
- Tartar
- Tartar (dental calculus) is plaque that has hardened on the teeth. It can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist during scaling.