What Is Dental Plaque?

One of the first things noticeable upon waking in the morning is the feeling of a fuzzy film on the teeth, and morning breath. No matter how much brushing of the teeth is done before bed, the teeth still feel like felt squares. The fuzzy film, called plaque, builds up on teeth overnight.

What Is Plaque

• Materia alba, also known as plaque, is a bacteria-laden film that builds up on teeth as a result of carbohydrates such as candy, sugared gum, soft drinks and other foods high in sugar. Bacteria finds traces of these foods left behind in the mouth a smorgasbord. The result is the plaque multiplies, and the coating left on the teeth and tongue are a result of bacteria and the waste products left behind by the bacteria.

What Plaque Does to the Gums

• Tooth loss with denture replacement is often caused by uncontolled plaque.

  When not removed, plaque builds up under the gum line and between the teeth. Over time, plaque calcifies, creating hard deposits under the gum line called calculus or tartar. Calculus under the gums produces more bacteria, causing calculus to be visible even above the gum line. The calculus, and the softer plaque, cause gum inflammation and bleeding. Left unattended long enough, infection sets in and the supporting bone of the teeth start to deteriorate and disappear. This is periodontal or gum disease, and is the leading cause of tooth loss.

What Plaque Does to the Teeth

• Cavities are caused by the improper removal of plaque.

  Plaque is tooth enamel's worst enemy. The bacteria in plaque emit acids that eat enamel. Plaque is proficient at seeking out and hiding in the pits and fissures on the biting surfaces of teeth. Once the bacteria have eaten a hole in the tooth, this continues into the softer dentin underneath the enamel. Often, a cavity is not even noticed by the patient until she bites into something and part of the tooth breaks because it has been gutted by decay. Plaque and bacteria continue to engulf the tooth until it literally rots all the way to the gum line. Restorative procedures include fillings, crowns, bridges and root canals.

How Plaque Can Be Controlled

• The brand of toothpaste is not what cleans the teeth, it is the brush.

  Since plaque is the source of decay and gum disease, it needs to be properly removed on a regular basis. Brush the teeth in a circular motion on the front and back of each tooth, one at a time. Proper brushing of teeth takes at least three minutes. The brand of toothpaste used is not as important as the use of the brush itself. Proper flossing is also essential. This involves pushing the floss between each tooth and gently under the gum line, making a sawing motion on each side of the tooth. Floss at least once daily. A professional dental cleaning and examination is also advised at least every six months, not only to remove plaque and calculus, but to screen for signs of periodontal disease or tooth decay.