What Is Dental Plaque?

You may have heard it’s important to have good oral health and to keep plaque off your teeth, but what exactly is plaque? Plaque is a soft and sticky substance that builds up on your teeth containing countless bacteria. The bacteria in plaque serve to break down your tooth’s enamel and contribute to the onset of tooth decay. Today, we take a closer look at how plaque forms and how you can prevent it from building up.

How Does Plaque Form?

Plaque is a result of the bacteria that live in our mouth. These bacteria use ingredients in our saliva and the foods we eat to grow, and the result is the formation of plaque. When we eat, the bacteria in plaque use the sugars in the food to grow, and this process produces acids that can eat away at your tooth’s enamel. Repeated acid attacks can cause the enamel to break down to the point where a cavity forms.

Plaque that is not regularly removed can eventually harden and turn into what’s known as tartar. Brushing, flossing, and removing tartar becomes harder as tartar collects in the gum line, so try to remove plaque before it hardens. Left untreated, tartar can irritate your gums and cause them to become red, swollen, or bleed when brushing. When this happens, you’re suffering from gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease involves a bacterial infection in your mouth that can lead to receding gum lines and tooth loss, so stop this problem at the first stage by helping remove plaque from your teeth.

Getting Rid of Plaque

To prevent plaque buildup or the problems it can cause down the road, take proactive steps. Here's how:

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Regular brushing helps stop plaque from developing throughout the day.
2. Floss between your teeth. Toothbrushes can't reach all areas, so floss to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places.
3. Use mouthwash smartly. Mouthwash is a great addition but not a replacement for brushing or flossing.
4. Maintain a healthy diet and limit snacking. Food can provide bacteria for plaque to turn into acids.
5. Get regular dental cleanings. Professional cleanings can prevent gingivitis by removing plaque and tartar buildup.

Take proactive steps to keep damaging plaque off your teeth. If you need an appointment for your next dental cleaning, contact Dr. Brooks’ office today at (952) 888-3200.