Dental Plaque: The What, Why and How

  Dental plaque is the thin biofilm that forms on teeth when they are not brushed after eating or drinking something.

Why is it a cause of concern?

Plaque contains millions of bacteria which decompose the starches and sugars in our food, releasing acids which can corrode enamel and cause tooth decay.

When left unchecked, plaque hardens due to deposition of calcium in it and forms tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by simple brushing. A professional dental cleaning is required.

Since plaque and tartar both contain bacteria, they cause gum inflammation and recession too.

Plaque forms around dental implants too, and can cause implant failure if regular cleaning is not carried out.

Stages of Dental Plaque formation:

There are three steps i the formation of dental plaque:

1. Pellicle formation: A thin coating forms on the tooth surface

2. Initial colonization: Bacteria adhering to the pellicle begin to grow.

3. Maturation: The colonies of microbes start getting organized and form a biofilm.

The role of the dentist:

A dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove the plaque and/or tartar from the surfaces of the teeth without harming the teeth.

Ways to remove Dental Plaque from teeth:

1. Brushing teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will help remove plaque from the teeth surfaces and near the gums.

2. Flossing, both regular and water flossing, especially at night, before brushing will remove food particles from areas where the toothbrush cannot reach.

3. A good mouthwash will help prevent plaque formation and arrest growth of harmful microbes.

4. A diet containing fibrous fruits and vegetables, less of sugary and refined foods and decrease in the frequency of snacking can help control plaque formation.

5. A dental checkup every 6 months will remove all traces of plaque and tartar from the teeth making them resistant to decay.