Dental Plaque: What It Is, Why It Forms, And How To Keep It At Bay

We’ve all heard of plaque. We’ve been told time and time again that it’s bad for our teeth and should be avoided. But to tackle plaque, it’s best to completely and genuinely understand what it is, what causes it, and various other information that can help you maintain your overall dental health and hygiene. So, let’s get to it!

What is Dental Plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. Every time you eat or drink, the bacteria in your mouth feed on leftover food particles and sugars, producing acids. These acids can harm your tooth enamel, leading to cavities and gum problems.

Plaque doesn’t just stop at your teeth. It can also develop under the gums, potentially damaging the roots of your teeth and the bones supporting them.

If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar (also known as calculus), which can’t be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing. Tartar requires professional cleaning by a dentist.

Causes of Plaque Formation

Now that we know what plaque is, let's find out the causes of plaque. Well, plaque is created when the bacteria in your mouth are exposed to sugary or starchy foods. These kinds of foods can include fruit juices, milk, sugary soft drinks, bread, pasta, fruit, and more. The bacteria in your mouth will release acids that break down carbohydrates in these foods and drinks. The combination of these bacteria, acids, and carbohydrates can mix into a sticky, colorless film called plaque, which coats your teeth. Some people experience a buildup of plaque more than others. The following factors can increase your chances of developing plaque:

• Poor oral hygiene habits: Irregular brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate.
• Sugary or starchy diets: Foods like candy, bread, fruit juices, and soda feed plaque-causing bacteria.
• Dry mouth: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or certain medications (e.g., antidepressants) reduce saliva, which naturally helps clean your teeth.
• Smoking: Smoking contributes to a faster buildup of plaque.
• Lack of dental check-ups: Skipping regular cleanings can leave tartar unchecked.

Risks of Untreated Plaque

As we’ve briefly mentioned above, plaque can come hand in hand with all sorts of health problems. If you fail to brush and floss daily, you can experience a buildup of plaque and tartar, which can then result in:

• Cavities: Plaque acids erode tooth enamel, causing decay.
• Gingivitis: This is the first stage of gum disease, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.
• Periodontitis: An advanced form of gum disease that damages the tissues and bones supporting teeth.
• Bad breath: Plaque buildup can cause persistent bad breath.
• Tooth loss: Severe gum infections may result in tooth loss.

How Do I Know If I’ve Got a Plaque?

Generally, you can feel it when you have plaque on your teeth. They may feel hard when you run your tongue over them. However, you can always have a professional check from a dentist to confirm whether you have a big build-up of plaque or tartar. If you have a lot of plaque or tartar, your dentist may want to run a dental X-ray to check for cavities too.

How to Prevent Dental Plaque

Stopping plaque from building up on your teeth is easy if you follow some good daily habits. Here’s how you can keep your teeth clean and healthy:

• Brush your teeth twice a day: Use a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from the damage plaque can cause. Brush gently for two minutes, making sure to clean the front, back, and tops of your teeth.
• Don’t skip flossing: Plaque loves to hide between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Use dental floss or interdental brushes every day to remove any food or plaque stuck in these spots.
• Rinse with mouthwash: Adding mouthwash to your routine can help kill bacteria that cause plaque. Look for an antibacterial mouthwash, and it can also help keep your breath fresh.
• Watch what you eat: Sugary and starchy foods, like candies, chips, and soda, can feed the bacteria in your mouth and cause plaque to grow faster. Try to eat a balanced diet with more vegetables, fruits, and foods that are good for your teeth. Drinking water throughout the day can also help wash away leftover food bits.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Dentists can clean away hardened plaque, called tartar, that you can’t remove at home. Try to visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning to keep your teeth in great shape.

By doing these simple things every day, you can avoid the problems that plaque can cause, like cavities and gum disease, and keep your smile looking and feeling its best.

What Are the Treatment Options for Plaque?

If plaque has already hardened into tartar, don’t worry—it’s not the end of the world. Dentists are trained to handle it, and with a little effort, you can get back on track. Here’s how:

• At-Home Care for Plaque
• While tartar can’t be removed at home, you can still manage plaque and prevent further buildup. Use an electric toothbrush for a more thorough clean, as it can reach areas you might miss with a manual brush. Water flossers are also a great addition to your routine since they help clean between your teeth and along your gumline where plaque loves to hide.
• Professional Dental Cleaning
• If tartar has already formed, your dentist will step in to help. They’ll typically perform a procedure called scaling and polishing, where special tools are used to scrape away tartar and then polish your teeth, leaving them smooth and clean. If the buildup is more severe or has affected your gums, your dentist might recommend advanced treatments like deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing) or gum therapy to restore your oral health.

Final Thoughts

Plaque and tartar might seem overwhelming, but they’re completely manageable. By sticking to a good dental hygiene routine and visiting your dentist regularly, you can avoid major issues and keep your teeth healthy. Why let tartar take over when simple daily habits and professional care can keep your smile in great shape?