What is dental plaque?
Plaque is a thin, sticky substance that constantly forms on your teeth throughout the day. It’s normal for your mouth to produce plaque, as it’s simply a sticky film made up of bacteria and food particles. This biofilm develops because bacteria in your mouth feed on the foods you eat, especially those rich in sugars and carbohydrates. These bacteria stick to the surfaces of your teeth, forming layers of plaque that can cause oral health issues if not removed properly. Over time, this buildup can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even bad breath. If you don’t maintain a routine of brushing and flossing daily, plaque can turn into tartar, which requires a professional cleaning to remove. Without routine dental cleanings, plaque contributes to problems like tooth decay, gingivitis (early-stage gum disease), and more serious conditions if left untreated. It’s important to remember that plaque isn’t just a cosmetic concern—it’s a sign that your oral health might need more attention.
What is tooth plaque made of?
Tooth plaque is a sticky, acidic film that builds up in your mouth when bacteria feed on the leftover food particles and debris left behind after you eat. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugars and carbohydrates from food and drinks, turning them into acids that break down particles and create this biofilm. Your saliva also plays a role by helping the bacteria stick to the surface of your teeth, forming layers of plaque. Inside this biofilm, there are living organisms surrounded by a gluey substance that allows the plaque to cling to your teeth, which makes it hard to remove. If you don’t brush or floss regularly, the plaque can grow, leading to a fuzzy, sticky feeling in your mouth, especially in the morning after a night of buildup. Over time, if plaque is not removed, it turns into tartar, a much harder substance that’s trickier to remove and often requires a professional cleaning. Regular brushing and flossing are key to keeping plaque from building up and causing more serious oral health problems.
What Does Dental Plaque Look Like?
Plaque is typically colorless and hard to see on your teeth, which is why it’s easy to overlook. However, it can cause tooth discoloration over time, especially when food particles and other substances stick to it. You may not notice plaque visually, but it often makes your teeth feel fuzzy or grimy. If you run your tongue over your teeth and it feels like they are wearing tiny sweaters, that’s likely due to plaque buildup. This sensation is one of the most common signs that plaque is present. As plaque accumulates, it can also contribute to other oral health issues, such as bad breath, cavities, and gum problems like gingivitis, which causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums when you brush or floss. If not removed, plaque can lead to more serious gum diseases.
PLAQUE VS. TARTAR: Difference Between Them
Plaque is a soft, sticky layer that builds up on your teeth every day. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it gradually turns into tartar, also known as dental calculus. Tartar is hardened plaque that forms as plaque absorbs minerals from your saliva. It becomes much harder to remove and can only be cleaned by a dentist or hygienist. Tartar is usually off-white or yellow at first but can turn darker with time, depending on the foods and substances you consume, like coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. Unlike plaque, which can be controlled with proper oral hygiene, tartar takes much longer to form and requires a professional cleaning. Brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly help prevent plaque from turning into tartar and maintain your oral health.
Does plaque smell?
Plaque itself doesn’t have a specific smell, but it can lead to bad breath if not removed properly. When plaque builds up, food bits get stuck between your teeth, and the bacteria in your mouth start to feed on them, which can cause a sourness or unpleasant taste. This is why it’s important to floss, brush, and use mouthwash regularly to keep your oral hygiene in check. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to thrive, and it may lead to gum disease or even worsen bad breath. By keeping your mouth clean and reaching all the nooks and crannies, you can prevent plaque from affecting your breath and improving your overall oral health.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of dental plaque?
Common dental plaque symptoms include:
- Fuzzy feeling on your teeth: If your teeth feel fuzzy or grimy, it’s a common sign of plaque buildup.
- Bad breath (also called halitosis): If you experience bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away, it might be caused by plaque on your teeth.
- Red, swollen gums: Plaque can irritate your gums, causing them to become red and swollen.
- Bleeding gums: If your gums bleed when you’re brushing or flossing, it’s often a sign of plaque buildup and early-stage gum disease.
Keeping an eye out for these symptoms and addressing them with regular brushing and flossing can help prevent the buildup from turning into bigger oral health issues.
What Causes Plaque on Teeth?
Plaque on teeth is caused when bacteria from the mouth mix with sugary and starchy foods such as milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta, and fruit. This combination prompts the bacteria to release acids that break down the carbohydrates from what we’re eating and drinking. As a result, a sticky, colorless film begins to form on the tooth surfaces. This dental biofilm is essentially a gathering of many kinds of germs and bacteria in the mouth, which can build up and become noticeable in less than 24 hours if not removed.
The Risks of Uncontrolled Plaque
Plaque that builds up on teeth and is left unchecked can cause significant risks to oral health. When not properly removed or controlled, plaque can lead to gingivitis, a reversible but concerning form of gum disease. If untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. It’s crucial to learn how to manage plaque effectively to prevent these related problems and maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Strategies to Prevent Plaque Buildup on Teeth
Preventing plaque buildup on your teeth involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices and smart dietary choices. Here’s how you can keep plaque at bay:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food that gets stuck between your teeth; this helps reduce plaque and gingivitis.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash like LISTERINE ESSENTIAL CARE or a tartar control product such as ULTRACLEAN to help fight plaque and kill germs in areas your toothbrush can’t reach, also reducing bad breath.
- Chew sugarless gum after meals to increase saliva flow, which helps wash away food particles.
- Maintain a healthy diet by avoiding sticky, sugar-filled foods like candies and syrup, and opt for nutritious snacks such as yogurt, cheese, raw vegetables, and fruit.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure any potential issues are addressed early and to receive professional advice on maintaining optimal dental health.
These steps, when practiced consistently, can significantly reduce plaque buildup and promote overall oral health.
How often should I see my dentist?
It’s generally recommended to see your dentist for teeth cleanings and checkups at regular intervals. For many people, visiting the dentist every six months is sufficient. However, some might need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. If you develop concerns or notice anything changed in your oral health, it’s a good idea to call your dentist and schedule an earlier checkup to examine the issue.
