Plaque is like a microscopic party happening on your teeth, but it’s not one you want to attend.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It’s always there, but when not removed regularly, it can cause big problems.

Your mouth is like a bustling city, full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with saliva and food particles, join forces to create plaque. Plaque is like a microscopic party happening on your teeth, but it’s not one you want to attend.

Plaque contains bacteria, leftover food particles and saliva. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on food debris (like sugars and carbohydrates). This breaks the food down into a sticky, acidic film — what we know as dental plaque.

Technically, plaque is colorless. But sometimes it can cause tooth discoloration because food particles stick to the plaque.

Dental plaque makes your teeth look (and feel) “fuzzy.” If you run your tongue over your teeth and it feels like they’re wearing tiny sweaters, that’s plaque.

TARTAR VS. PLAQUE

Tartar is hardened plaque. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, it will turn into tartar. At this point, you can’t brush or floss it away. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove it. Dental calculus is another name for tartar.

Tartar might be off-white or yellow at first. But after a while, it will take on the color of whatever foods or substances you consume. For example, certain things can make tartar look darker, including:

Coffee.
Tea.
Red wine.
Smoking.
Chewing tobacco.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DENTAL PLAQUE?

A fuzzy feeling on your teeth.

Bad breath (halitosis) that doesn’t go away.

Red, swollen gums that bleed after brushing.

CAUSES OF PLAQUE ON TEETH

Tooth plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods like milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta and fruit. These bacteria release acids that break down carbohydrates in food and drinks. If you don’t brush your teeth soon after eating or drinking, the combination of bacteria, acids and carbohydrates can mix into a sticky, colorless film called plaque. Plaque will set up camp and invite its bacterial buddies to join in.

COMPLICATIONS OF PLAQUE

Plaque is not just a harmless guest; it’s trouble waiting to happen. If left unchecked, plaque can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Think of it as the troublemaker at the party, causing chaos wherever it goes.

If you don’t brush or floss daily, plaque can harden into tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar. Extreme dental plaque and tartar can lead to:

Cavities.

Gingivitis and other forms of gum disease.

Tooth infection (abscessed tooth).

Tooth loss.

TREATMENT FOR PLAQUE

The good news is, plaque is manageable. Regular brushing and flossing are like the bouncers kicking out unwanted guests from the party. You can also use mouthwash to give plaque the boot. But sometimes, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, which needs professional help to remove. That’s where your friendly neighborhood dentist comes in. They’ll use special tools to scrape away the tartar and send plaque packing.

PREVENTION IS KEY

To reduce plaque, visit your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene.

Here’s how to remove plaque from teeth:

Floss daily. Floss once a day with dental floss to get rid of food and plaque stuck between teeth. Studies show that flossing before brushing teeth removes more plaque.

Brush twice a day. Brush your teeth for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush at least twice a day and preferably after every meal.

Chew sugarless gum. If you can’t brush soon after eating or drinking, chew sugar-free gum. Choose a kind that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

Choose healthy foods. Cut back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks. Instead, choose nutritious foods and snacks such as plain yogurt, cheese, raw vegetables or fruit.

See your dentist. Get dental checkups and cleanings at least twice a year.
Use mouthwash. Rinse daily with an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antiseptic mouthwash. It’s like putting up a “No Plaque Allowed” sign in your mouth.

In conclusion, plaque may seem harmless, but it’s a sneaky troublemaker that can wreak havoc on your oral health if left unchecked. By understanding what plaque is, what causes it, and how to deal with it, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and enjoy a brighter, fresher smile for years to come. So, let’s say goodbye to plaque and hello to a healthier mouth!