Dental plaque isn’t readily visible to the naked eye, but it can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. If you don’t remove it properly, it can lead to serious oral health problems. Learn what plaque is, how it develops, the risks it poses and how to prevent it for a healthy, radiant smile.
What Is Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on the surface of your teeth. It forms as food particles mix with your saliva when you eat. It’s usually colorless or slightly yellow.
Plaque houses bacteria, which contributes to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. If not removed, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus, which is much more difficult to remove. The key to a healthy mouth is keeping plaque under control before it leads to more severe problems.
Facts About Dental Plaque
- Plaque is always forming: Even right after you brush your teeth, plaque begins to accumulate again. That’s why consistent oral hygiene is essential.
- It’s fueled by sugar and starch: The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars in your food and beverages, producing acids that weaken tooth enamel and cause cavities.
- Plaque doesn’t just affect teeth: It also accumulates along and under the gumline, leading to gum inflammation and periodontal disease if left untreated.
- Plaque hardens into tartar: If plaque isn’t removed daily, it can calcify into tartar within 24 to 48 hours. Once tartar forms, only a dentist or hygienist can remove it.
Problems Caused by Plaque Buildup
If plaque is left unchecked, it can cause a variety of dental issues, including the following.
- Tooth decay (cavities): The bacteria in plaque produce acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities. If decay progresses, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth, potentially requiring fillings, crowns, or even root canals.
- Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis): Plaque that accumulates along the gumline causes inflammation, leading to gingivitis (early-stage gum disease). Symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing. If untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, which can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and even bone damage.
- Bad breath (halitosis): Bacteria in plaque release foul-smelling byproducts, contributing to chronic bad breath. Brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning help control plaque and keep your breath fresh.
- Tartar buildup: In addition to being difficult to remove, tartar creates a rough surface where more plaque can build up, accelerating gum disease and tooth decay.
How to Get Rid of Dental Plaque
Practicing good dental hygiene at home will be one of the most important aspects of keeping plaque at bay. Even with the best at-home care, some plaque and tartar buildup is inevitable, so regular professional cleanings are also vital. If you have or are in danger of developing gum disease, additional professional treatment may be required.
At-Home Hygiene: Your Daily Defense
- Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque effectively. Brush for at least two minutes, covering all tooth surfaces.
- Floss daily: Plaque hides between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing removes debris and prevents plaque buildup between teeth and along the gumline.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Mouthwash helps kill bacteria and flush out leftover food particles, reducing plaque formation.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods, which fuel plaque-producing bacteria.
- Drink plenty of water: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping plaque under control throughout the day.
Professional Dental Care: Deep Cleaning
- Professional cleanings: Dentists and hygienists use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas.
- Scaling and root planing: For patients with gum disease, deep cleaning procedures remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline to stop infection and inflammation.
- Fluoride treatments: This temporary sticky coating strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to acid attacks.
- Sealants: This protective coating can be applied to molars and help prevent plaque from accumulating in the deep grooves of teeth.
Dental plaque may be a constant presence, but with the right care, it doesn’t have to harm your smile. Maintain a strong daily oral hygiene routine and visit us regularly to help keep plaque from damaging your teeth and gums.
If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, call us today at 785-539-5949 to schedule an appointment.