Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It’s normal to have plaque (pronounced “plak”). In fact, new plaque forms on your teeth every day and even at night while you sleep. It’s harmless as long as it’s temporary.

But if you don’t remove plaque with daily brushing and flossing and routine dental cleanings, it can harden into tartar. This can lead to cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues.

What is tooth plaque made of?

Plaque contains bacteria, leftover food particles and saliva (spit). 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?

Plaque is colorless. But sometimes, plaque can cause tooth discoloration when food particles stick to it. Other signs might be:

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Red, swollen gums that bleed after brushing

What causes plaque on your teeth?

Plaque forms on your teeth when bacteria in your mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods like milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta and fruit. Unlike bacteria that make you sick, these bacteria are a natural part of a healthy mouth. They’re a part of what experts call your “oral microbiome.” 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 bacteria, acids and carbohydrates can mix into a sticky, colorless film called dental plaque.

Complications

If you don’t remove plaque through routine dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. This can cause yellow, brown or black stains on your teeth. Only a dental professional can remove tartar to get rid of the spots or stains.

Extreme dental plaque and tartar can lead to:

• Cavities
• Gingivitis and other forms of gum disease
• Tooth infection
• Tooth loss

How doctors diagnose this condition

Sometimes, you can tell if you have dental plaque by checking your teeth. If they feel fuzzy, you probably have it. But it’s important to remember that plaque is invisible and often can’t be felt with your tongue. So, you may not notice it at all.

To find out for sure, schedule an appointment with a dentist. They can check your teeth and gums and recommend any treatments you need.

How is it treated?

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 bacteria that cause plaque
• Prescription toothpaste or antibacterial mouthwash

In the meantime, practicing proper oral hygiene can reduce plaque buildup so there’s less for your dentist to remove. Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should see your dentist for teeth cleanings regularly. Some people need cleanings every six months. Others may need more frequent visits. Your dentist can let you know what type of schedule is best for you.

If you develop any new concerns between visits, call your dentist to schedule a checkup. They’ll examine your teeth to see if anything has changed.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

Everyone gets dental plaque, and it’s usually harmless. But if it builds up, it can harden into tartar and cause major dental issues.

But you can prevent most issues. Dental plaque doesn’t have to be a problem as long as you take good care of your teeth and gums.

Is there a way to prevent plaque?

You can’t prevent it from forming.

But you can keep too much plaque from building up by making your oral hygiene a priority. Remove plaque from your teeth by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Make sure you’re getting dental checkups on a schedule your dentist recommends.

Ask your dentist for more specific advice about plaque removal. For example, they can make sure that you’re brushing and flossing correctly. They may recommend certain types of dental products, like electric toothbrushes or mouthwashes with fluoride.

What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?

Tartar is hardened plaque. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, it’ll turn into tartar. Tartar can hold food and tobacco stains that make your teeth look yellow, brown or even black.

You can’t brush or floss tartar away like you can with plaque. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove it.

Can hardened plaque fall off?

It’s possible but not likely. Once dental plaque turns into tartar, it’s difficult to remove. You may be tempted to try and pick it off your teeth, but you’ll need a dental care provider to remove it safely. Trying to scrape it off yourself puts you at risk of harming your teeth. This can lead to more dental issues.