Everyone has dental plaque. This sticky film forms on teeth when bacteria in the mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods. Tooth brushing and flossing get rid of plaque. If you do not remove plaque, it hardens into tartar. Plaque can lead to cavities, gingivitis (gum disease) and tooth loss. Regular dental checkups remove plaque and protect teeth.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink. These acids can destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities and gingivitis (gum disease).
Plaque can also develop under the gums on tooth roots and break down the bones that support teeth. Untreated plaque can harden into tough-to-remove tartar. Proper oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, gets rid of plaque.
How common is plaque?
Everyone has dental plaque to some degree. If your teeth feel fuzzy when you run your tongue over them, that is plaque.
Who may be more likely to get plaque?
Although everyone gets plaque, you may develop more plaque than usual if you:
Consume a lot of sugary or starchy foods or drinks.
Have dry mouth due to medications like antidepressants or conditions like Sjögrens syndrome.
Have a history of head/neck radiation.
Smoke.
What causes plaque?Plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods, such as milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta and fruit. These bacteria release acids that break down carbohydrates in food and drinks. If you do not 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 symptoms of plaque?
A fuzzy feeling on the teeth is the top sign that you have plaque. Other indicators include:
Chronic bad breath (halitosis).
Red, swollen, tender gums that bleed after brushing (gum disease).
What are the complications of plaque?
If you do not brush and floss daily, plaque can harden into tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar. Plaque and tartar can lead to:
- Cavities.
- Gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease.
- Severe gum infection (periodontitis).
- Tooth decay and loss.
- Tooth infection (abscessed tooth).
How can I prevent plaque?Good tooth and gum care is key to reducing plaque. You should:
- Floss daily: Floss once a day with dental floss or a water flosser 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 teeth for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or powered) and fluoride toothpaste. Brush at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal.
- Chew sugarless gum: If you can not brush soon after eating or drinking, chew sugar-free gum. Choose a kind that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.
- 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 at least twice a year.
- Use mouthwash: Rinse with an over-the-counter or prescription antiseptic mouthwash.
