Ask a Dentist – What is Plaque?

Has your dentist told you that you have plaque buildup? Most people know that plaque is a form of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. But what exactly is it, and how does it affect your mouth? Plaque buildup on teeth occurs when you don't brush and floss regularly. It's essential to understand this because plaque will harden into tartar if left untreated, leading to gum disease or cavities. Read on for more information about plaque and ways to prevent dental health problems before they start.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a form of bacteria that forms on teeth. This happens when you do not brush and floss regularly. It's essential to understand this because plaque will harden into tartar if left untreated, leading to gum disease or cavities. The first way to prevent plaque buildup is by brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and flossing at least once a day to remove food particles from between teeth.

Preventing plaque buildup

The first way to prevent plaque buildup is by brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and flossing at least once a day to remove food particles from between teeth. Don't forget that diet can also play into restorative dental care, so consider limiting sugary drinks. If you do drink these types of beverages, then make sure to brush them afterward. In addition to brushing and flossing, your dentist may recommend a special kind of toothpaste that contains fluoride or additional ingredients that help prevent plaque from forming on teeth.

How will I know if I have too much plaque?

If you do not take care of your teeth long-term by maintaining healthy habits, plaque will build up and harden into tartar. You may notice a yellow or brown discoloration on your teeth in this case. If you suspect that the problem is more severe than just excess buildup, make an appointment with our office right away to address any issues early before they become even worse.

What causes plaque?

Many different types of food can contribute to plaque buildup on teeth. For example, if you eat a lot of sugary foods or drink beverages with added sugar, then this will cause an increase in the number of bacteria found within your mouth, which leads to plaque formation. It's important to brush and floss at least twice daily and avoid foods and drinks with added sugar if you want to prevent plaque buildup.

It's essential to understand the cause of gum disease to prevent it from occurring at all. Many think that tooth decay is caused by sugar, but this isn't necessarily true - only certain types of bacteria feed off sugars and create acid byproducts that can cause tooth decay. Plaque is formed by bacteria that feed off leftover bits of food found between teeth and around the gum line, so make sure to brush your teeth after meals!

What are some signs I may have plaque?

One way you can tell if you might be suffering from an excess buildup of plaque on teeth is through checking for discoloration on the surface of your teeth. A yellowish or brown tinge can indicate that you have too many bacteria in your mouth, usually due to poor brushing habits. If left untreated, plaque buildup will harden into tartar which then leads to gum disease and cavities.