What is plaque?

Plaque or dental plaque is a biofilm consistent of living bacteria, its products and saliva elements.

The mouth and saliva are full of bacteria. After cleaning the tooth surface with a toothbrush and toothpaste, the saliva molecules will attach instantly to the tooth surface facilitating the attachment of the first bacteria layer and the beginning of the biofilm.

A chain reaction will start whereby the next layer of bacteria will attach to the newly formed biofilm.

Layer after layer more bacteria will attach and build a thicker plaque biofilm.

The type of bacteria in the plaque will change depending on the thickness, age of the biofilm and location in the mouth.

 

The older and thicker the plaque biofilm is the more anaerobic (bad) bacteria we can find.

 

How do I get rid of the plaque?

Dental plaque is soft and easily cleaned with a toothbrush, dental floss or interdental brushes.

If plaque is left to mature it turns into tartar. Plaque or tartar can cause gingivitis and if left for weeks and months it can cause receding gums with bone loss as a result.