Dental plaque, also known as tooth plaque, microbial plaque and dental biofilm, is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth. Plaque is an extremely sticky, colorless to pale yellow deposit of biofilm that regularly forms on your teeth. When saliva, food, and fluids combine they produce bacteria deposits, which collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce acids that attack your tooth enamel and can damage your gums. If not treated, the damage could become permanent. It contains millions of bacteria that feed on the food and drinks you eat
What Causes Plaque and Why Is It Harmful?
Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as milk, soft drinks, raisins, cakes, or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth.
So why is plaque a problem?
If you don’t take the steps needed to prevent and get rid of plaque, it may lead to:-
Cavities: the acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can cause low pH level and can eat away at your tooth enamel.
Gingivitis: Accumulation of plaque bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums.
Bad Breath: Plaque buildup from poor dental hygiene can also cause your breath to smell bad.
How to prevent tooth plaque:-
- Visit your dentist every 6 months. Adults who see their dentists regularly are less likely to have plaque related dental diseases.
- Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. To prevent the buildup of plaque, be sure to floss once a day and brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste.
- If you have electric toothbrush, and remember to replace the head every 3 months. Use a quality toothbrush, or as soon as the bristles look worn.
- Avoid smoking to reduce the risk of increased plaque and tartar.
- Use a mouthwash such as Multi-Protection Mouthwash to help prevent plaque buildup on teeth to your routine against plaque and gingivitis.
