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Dental Plaque

Dental Plaque



Overview

What is dental plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s normal to produce plaque. But if you don’t remove plaque with routine dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing, it can cause cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues.

What is tooth plaque made of?

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.

What does plaque look like on your teeth?

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.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of dental plaque?

Common dental plaque symptoms include:

A fuzzy feeling on your teeth.

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

Red, swollen gums that bleed after brushing.

What causes 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.

What are the complications of dental plaque?

If you don’t brush and 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.

Diagnosis and Tests

How can I tell if I have dental plaque?

If your teeth look or feel fuzzy, you probably have plaque. To find out for sure, schedule an appointment with a dentist. They can check your teeth and gums and recommend any necessary treatment.

Management and Treatment

How do dentists treat plaque?

During a dental checkup, a dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They may also recommend:

Dental sealants to keep plaque from forming on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Dry mouth treatments to increase saliva production.

Fluoride treatments to slow the growth of plaque-causing bacteria and reduce your risk of tooth decay.

Prescription toothpaste or antibacterial mouthwash.

Type of Doctor Department : 000000000000000000000000000000A dentist or dental hygienist000000000

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