Dental Plaque: A Guide to Healthy Teeth
Dental plaque is something everyone deals with. It’s that sticky film that forms on your teeth every day. While it's normal, it’s important to remove plaque through regular dental cleanings, brushing, and flossing. If left unchecked, plaque can lead to more serious issues like cavities, gum disease (gingivitis), and other oral health problems.
What is Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Every time you eat, especially foods high in sugars and carbohydrates, bacteria in your mouth feed on the food debris. This bacteria, mixed with saliva and food particles, creates plaque.
What is Plaque Made Of?
Plaque is a mix of bacteria, leftover food particles, and saliva. The bacteria thrive on carbohydrates and sugars from the food you eat. This process breaks the food down into an acidic, sticky film that coats your teeth.
How Does Plaque Look and Feel?
Technically, plaque is colorless, but it can sometimes cause a yellowish tint or discoloration on teeth as food particles stick to it. Your teeth may feel “fuzzy” or as if they’re wearing little sweaters. This is usually a sign of plaque buildup.
Plaque vs. Tartar
Tartar is hardened plaque. If plaque isn't removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. Once plaque turns into tartar, it's impossible to remove with brushing alone—only a dentist or hygienist can remove it. Tartar starts off as an off-white or yellow substance, but over time it can take on darker colors from food and drink, such as coffee, tea, red wine, or from smoking.
Symptoms of Dental Plaque
You might not always see plaque, but you can certainly feel it. Some symptoms include:
- A fuzzy feeling on your teeth.
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis).
- Red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush.
Causes of Plaque
Plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth combine with sugary or starchy foods like bread, pasta, soft drinks, or fruit. The bacteria release acids that break down carbohydrates, and if you don’t brush soon after eating, the mix of bacteria and food particles forms plaque.
Risks of Not Removing Plaque
Without regular brushing and dental care, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to:
- Cavities.
- Gum disease (gingivitis).
- Tooth infections or abscesses.
- Tooth loss in severe cases.
How to Manage and Treat Plaque
When you visit the dentist, they will remove plaque and tartar with special tools. They may also recommend:
- Dental sealants to prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth.
- Fluoride treatments to slow bacterial growth.
- Prescription toothpaste or mouthwash to fight plaque-causing bacteria.
- Dry mouth treatments to increase saliva production, which naturally helps fight plaque.
How to Prevent Dental Plaque
You can reduce plaque by practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly. Here’s how:
- Floss daily: Floss once a day to remove food and plaque between your teeth.
- Brush twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for two minutes, preferably after meals.
- Chew sugar-free gum: If you can’t brush after eating, chewing sugarless gum can help.
- Eat healthy foods: Reduce sugary, starchy foods and opt for healthier snacks like yogurt, cheese, and fruits.
- Use mouthwash: Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to help remove plaque.
- Visit your dentist: Get cleanings at least twice a year or as recommended.
What Happens if You Don’t Remove Plaque?
Neglecting plaque removal can lead to serious dental problems. Cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss can occur. Staying on top of your oral hygiene and regular dental visits can prevent these issues.
Living With Dental Plaque
How often you see your dentist depends on your personal needs. For some, twice-a-year cleanings may be enough. Others may need more frequent visits. Your dentist will help determine the best schedule for your dental health. If you notice any new issues, don’t wait until your next cleaning—schedule a checkup.
Common Questions About Plaque
Can hardened plaque (tartar) fall off?
Once plaque has turned into tartar, it becomes very difficult to remove. Occasionally, small bits of tartar might break off, especially with hard brushing, but this won’t remove it entirely. Only professional cleaning can get rid of tartar.
Sources:
- American Dental Association (ADA) - What is Plaque?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Oral Health Basics
- Mayo Clinic - Gum Disease
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) - Cavities and Plaque
- Cleveland Clinic - Dental Plaque and Tartar