Man noticing plaque on his teeth while looking in the mirror.
Badge field

How to Prevent and Remove Plaque on Teeth?

Published date field Last Updated:
Published date field Last Updated:

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Have you ever noticed your teeth feeling a bit sticky or fuzzy after a meal? That’s likely plaque forming. Left untreated, it can harden into tartar and lead to various oral health issues. Understanding how plaque forms and how to manage it is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums

Read on to learn more about plaque and its causes and symptoms. Discover how to treat and prevent the buildup of plaque on teeth for a healthy smile.

What is Plaque on Teeth?

Dental plaque is a sticky, soft film formed by harmful bacteria in the mouth. It consists of food particles, bacteria, and saliva and is scientifically known as a biofilm where bacteria thrive. The plaque often goes unnoticed because it’s colorless and hides in hard-to-reach areas, such as along the gum line, between teeth, and in grooves. It can also collect on the tongue, dental work, crowns, and fillings.

What Causes Plaque on Teeth

Following a meal, bacteria in the mouth combine with food debris and saliva, forming a sticky film of plaque. You may watch out for the following factors that cause the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums:

  • Dietary habits: Overconsumption of sugary and starchy foods promotes plaque. Bacteria living in the mouth feed on the sugar residues that stick to the teeth and form plaque.

  • Poor oral hygiene: Plaque builds up on the teeth and along the gum line without brushing and flossing. Once it hardens to tartar, it does not go away with daily dental care.

  • Lack of dental visits: Regular checkups and dental cleanings help remove the plaque missed by your daily oral care and tartar deposits. 

  • Dry mouth: Saliva washes away food residues and bacteria. A dry mouth has less saliva flow, allowing plaque to build up.

  • Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco reduces your ability to fight bacteria and infections and promotes plaque buildup.

What Are The Symptoms of Dental Plaque?

The symptoms of dental plaque are subtle at the beginning and become noticeable as it builds up. Here are some signs to look out for:

  • Sticky feel on teeth: Plaque causes a soft, sticky feel for the tongue on the surface of your teeth.

  • Tartar and yellow stains: As plaque hardens to tartar, it can cause a yellow or brown discoloration to the teeth. 

  • Bad breath: The bacteria in plaque release foul-smelling compounds, causing bad breath.

  • Gum irritation: Plaque or tartar along the gum line can irritate the gums. The gums can become red, sore, and swollen. They may bleed when you brush or floss (early signs of gum disease or gingivitis).

  • Decay and sensitivity: Plaque bacteria feed on sugar residues and release acids that erode the tooth enamel. This leads to dental caries and sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks.

Treating Plaque on Teeth

Treating plaque on teeth is crucial to preventing various oral health problems. Untreated plaque and tartar buildup lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and periodontal diseases. Plaque goes away with proper brushing and flossing. Treatments offered in dentistry become necessary when plaque hardens to tartar, which does not go away with daily oral care. They include:

  • Dental cleaning: It removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and above the gum line. A dental hygienist may use special tools for plaque removal from hard-to-reach areas. Taking up professional dental cleaning every six months is ideal. It enhances your dental health and helps rule out problems before they occur.

  • Deep cleaning: It addresses severe tartar buildup and gum infection and includes scaling and root planing. Scaling scrapes away plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. Root planing smoothes out the tooth root surfaces, letting the gums reattach to the teeth. This prevents further plaque accumulation.

How to Prevent Plaque?

Ensuring good oral hygiene is crucial to preventing dental plaque buildup. It includes daily oral care habits and regular dental checkups. Dietary and lifestyle changes can also help. Here are some oral care tips to consider for preventing plaque buildup:

  • Brushing: Brushing your teeth at least two times daily is essential. You may use a manual soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush that is gentle on your teeth and gums.

  • Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps resist tooth decay and cavities. An antibacterial formula can control harmful bacteria. A tartar removal toothpaste helps remove plaque before it hardens.

  • Flossing: As plaque can hide in difficult areas, toothbrushing alone will not suffice. Flossing once daily is essential. You may use dental floss, a water flosser, or an interdental toothbrush.

  • Use mouthwash: Swishing the mouth with mouthwash removes harmful bacteria that promote plaque. You may use an antibacterial mouthwash suggested by a dental hygienist.

  • Diet and lifestyle changes: Limiting the consumption of sugary foods and carbohydrates can help. Rinsing the mouth after every meal washes away food debris, reducing plaque formation. 

When to See a Dental Professional?

Routine dental visits are important for healthy teeth and gums. A dental checkup every six months is ideal. Dental professionals can remove tartar and hidden plaque and rule out potential oral health conditions. They also offer preventive care, such as sealants to prevent tooth decay if plaque accumulates in your mouth more often. Book an appointment if you notice symptoms like hard yellow deposits on teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, and persistent bad breath. 

Good oral hygiene, comprising daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits, can prevent the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums. With consistent oral care, you can avoid potential dental problems and maintain a healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the difference between plaque and tartar?

  2. Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless, soft layer of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth, while tartar is yellow, hardened plaque. The plaque can be removed with daily tooth brushing and flossing, but once it becomes tartar, it can only be cleaned through professional cleaning.

  3. How can you remove plaque?

  4. You can remove teeth plaque by brushing your teeth at least two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth by flossing once daily. An antibacterial mouthwash that kills harmful bacteria helps control plaque. Regular dental cleanings are vital, as they help remove plaque missed by your daily oral care routine.

  5. Can plaque be removed by brushing?

  6. Yes, teeth plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. You may use fluoride toothpaste to resist plaque and tooth decay. Besides brushing, flossing once daily is also important, as it helps remove the plaque hidden between the teeth. 

  7. What is the best natural plaque remover?

  8. The best way for plaque removal is through good oral hygiene. It includes brushing teeth two times daily and flossing once daily. Using an antibacterial mouthwash, rinsing the mouth after every meal, and limiting sugary foods can help.