Plaque On Teeth – Causes And Treatment

August 30, 2024. 4 min read

Understanding and Managing Plaque for a Healthy Smile

No, we’re not talking about that wooden plaque in your den bearing a rainbow trout. We’re talking about that sticky plaque on your teeth formed by the bacteria in your mouth. One we want, the other we want to remove. But don’t worry, plaque is super common, and you can effectively manage and treat plaque formation depending on the cause.

What Causes Plaque on Teeth?

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, some of which are good, and some of which could be harmful if they were to multiply. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains lots of this potentially harmful bacteria. It builds up on your teeth’s surfaces, often near the gum line, to form what we call a biofilm.

So what causes plaque to build up? Plaque bacteria feed on the carbohydrates in your diet, so when you consume something with sugar or starches, plaque starts to accumulate. While plaque is normal and expected, it’s important to remove it every day with toothbrushing and flossing, and to have regular dental cleanings.

If you eat a diet high in sugary or starchy foods, or you don’t practice good oral hygiene, plaque can start to build up and get out of control. Here’s why that’s bad news for your oral health…

Consequences of Plaque on Teeth

Those plaque bacteria produce acid that can be very damaging to your teeth and gums. The more plaque you have, the more bacteria, and that means more acid and more harmful consequences.

These include:

Tooth decay. If plaque on your teeth builds up, those acids can wear away your tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay and cavities. If tooth decay continues, it can reach all the way to the pulp of the tooth and require fillings or even tooth removal.
Tooth abscess. Ignoring plaque can eventually lead to a dangerous abscess or bacterial infection inside the tooth. Preventing an abscess starts with removing plaque daily.
Tartar. If you don’t brush or floss regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, which can stain your teeth yellow or brown. Brushing and flossing alone won’t get rid of tartar, so you’ll need to see your dental professional to remove tartar buildup.
Gingivitis and periodontitis. Plaque can also cause infection and inflammation of your gums (gingivitis), which may progress to the bones and other tissues that hold your teeth in place (periodontitis). Periodontitis can be painful and may lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss

How Do You Treat Plaque on Teeth?

You can't stop plaque from forming, but you can try these few simple ways to remove it so you can avoid complications like tooth decay, tartar and gum disease.

Floss daily or use an interdental cleaning device to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the enamel and protect teeth from decay.
Brush twice a day for two minutes to eliminate most plaque.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help control plaque buildup.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks to help prevent tooth-decaying acid from forming on teeth.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), chewing sugar-free gum and rinsing your mouth with water after meals can also help.

How Do You Prevent Plaque in the Future?

Regularly visit your dental professional to help minimize plaque build-up and prevent tartar from forming. A dental hygiene appointment can remove the plaque and tartar from the nooks and crannies that you couldn’t reach with a toothbrush. Schedule an appointment today if you have concerns about plaque prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plaque

Can plaque turn into tartar?
Yes. Over time, minerals from your saliva will cause plaque to calcify, or harden. It then turns into tartar, also known as calculus, which can only be removed by your dental professional.

What are the consequences of ignoring plaque build-up?
Ignoring plaque build-up can lead to oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, infection and abscesses. The complications of some of these oral health problems might include pain, difficulty eating, loose teeth, or even tooth removal. Plaque build-up can also cause tooth discoloration and bad breath.

How does plaque lead to tooth decay?
Tooth decay is caused by the acids produced by plaque bacteria. The acid leaches the minerals from the tooth enamel, eventually causing it to break down. If left untreated, the acid can eat all the way to the pulp at the center of the tooth.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.