What is plaque and why is it harmful?

What is plaque and why is it harmful?

Simply put, dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. This bacteria feeds off sugars from foods left on teeth (due to improper brushing), producing acids in the process. These acids attack tooth enamel and can cause it to break down.

Is dental plaque harmful to humans?

Plaque buildup can also lead to gum disease: first gingivitis, the tender and swollen gums that sometimes bleed. Over time, severe periodontal (gum) disease can develop.

What happens if plaque goes untreated?

When plaque is left to build upon the teeth and harden, periodontal disease develops. When this is left untreated, it can result in damage to the jaw and even tooth loss.

What kills dental plaque?

Floss, floss, floss. No matter how good you are with a toothbrush, dental floss is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth and keep tartar out of these hard-to-reach areas. Rinse daily. Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.

What is plaque and how does it harm the body?

Plaque is a sticky film that is constantly forming on your teeth. Remember the Tooth Bug? Plaque is where he and all the bacteria in your mouth hang out. These bacteria are nasty and you don’t want to give them the chance to move in and take over. How does it harm the body?

What happens to your teeth if you have untreated plaque?

Bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink. These acids can destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities and gingivitis (gum disease). Plaque can also develop under the gums on tooth roots and break down the bones that support teeth. Untreated plaque can harden into tough-to-remove tartar.

What causes plaque to form on your teeth?

Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It makes teeth “feel fuzzy” to the tongue and is most noticeable when teeth are not brushed. Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as milk, soft drinks, raisins, cakes, or candy are frequently left on the teeth.

How to prevent plaque build up in the gums?

Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth. To prevent plaque buildup, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft, rounded-tip bristled toothbrush.

Plaque presents a double threat. Plaque itself can pose a risk. A piece of plaque can break off and be carried by the bloodstream until it gets stuck. And plaque that narrows an artery also allows for the possibility that a blood clot (thrombus) may adhere to the blood vessel’s inner wall.

How does plaque affect teeth?

Plaque causes cavities because the acid within it attacks the enamel of your teeth after you eat. If the plaque is left long enough on your teeth, it can break through the enamel giving the cavity a sticky place to take hold. Plaque irritates your gums and can cause your gums to start to recede.

What does plaque do to your teeth?

Dental plaque is one of your mouth’s greatest enemies. When plaque builds up on your teeth, it eats away at the enamel, causing cavities and decay. In addition, bacteria from plaque can cause bad breath and turn your teeth yellow.

What causes yellow plaque on teeth?

The most easily repaired cause of yellowing teeth is poor oral hygiene: That’s because when plaque (a film of bacteria that forms on teeth) and tarter (hardened dental plaque) build up, they can make teeth appear yellow.