dental plaque

What is Dental Plaque?

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Dental plaque is a sticky and colorless or light yellow film that's constantly forming over the teeth. The bacteria could cling to Plaque and produce acids which may cause tooth decay.


The formation of plaque begins on the teeth after 4-12 hours of brushing . That’s why it's crucial to practice a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental hygiene that can assist in removing and avoiding plaque. The plaque, which is made up of bacteria, develops between your teeth as well as on the line of your gums.


Scientists use the "biofilm" term for plaque because it's actually a living microbe that is surrounded by a sticky polymer layer. The sticky coating aids in helping microbes to attach to the surfaces inside your mouth and are able to grow into vibrant micro colonies.


Are you worried about the formation of dental plaque and the effects of plaque on the teeth ? Don’t worry, plaque is extremely prevalent, and it is possible to effectively control and treat the formation of plaque by using Advanced Oral Health Care Products. 

What Causes Plaque on Teeth?


What causes plaque on teeth? It's bacteria. Certain bacteria can be beneficial, but some can accumulate on your teeth's surfaces and form a plaque biofilm. It's usually located near your gum line. Although it's common and normal, it is important to keep the sugar from mixing with it. The bacteria feed off sugars and produce acids that can cause plaque on teeth.

 

dental plaque infographic
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The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar


Plaque and tartar are both dental conditions and can affect oral health .


Plaque is a sticky film that continually forms on teeth and gums, typically consisting of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. Plaque can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath when left unremoved on a regular basis. Plaque can be removed easily by brushing your teeth regularly.


Tartar (Calculus): Tartar is a harder form of plaque that occurs when plaque isn't adequately removed from teeth.


Unfortunately, tartar cannot be removed through regular dental hygiene practices alone! You need to visit the dentist.


Discover More: What Are Teeth Made Out Of | Teeth Vs Bone 

plaque on teeth
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plaque on teeth
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The Effects of Plaque on the Teeth


Do you know?  How Can Plaque on Teeth Affect My Oral Health?  Here are the primary consequences of plaque accumulation


  • Tooth Decay- Plaque contains harmful bacteria which produce acids when they break down carbohydrates in your mouth, attacking tooth enamel demineralization and leading to tooth decay or cavities.
  • Gum Disease - When plaque build-up remains undetected for long enough, it can irritate and inflame gum tissue resulting in gingivitis (Gum Inflammatory Disorder). It may include reddening, swelling, and bleeding gums.
  • Bad Breath- Plaque buildup provides an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish in, which then produce gaseous molecules which give off foul smells, leading to persistent bad breath (or "halitosis").
  • Tooth Discoloration - Plaque has a yellowish tint and can stain teeth over time, leading to noticeable yellow or brown discolorations of your smile.
  • Tartar Formation- If plaque accumulation continues without proper removal practices such as brushing and flossing, it can harden and mineralize into tartar (calculus).
  • Tooth Sensitivity- Over time, plaque increases tooth sensitivity, and you will feel hot and cold when eating.

How to Prevent Plaque


  • Daily brush your teeth thoroughly using fluoride-free toothpaste
  • Utilize antiseptic mouthwashes to kill bacteria and minimize plaque formation
  • Regular visits to your dentist
  • Avoid smoking
  • Maintain a healthy diet

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Frequently Asked Questions

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Effective bad breath remedies include:

Gentle and regular scraping of the tongue

Regular oral care practices such as daily brushing and flossing

Professional deep cleanings and plaque removal

The ongoing use of oral probiotics.

How Probiotics Work To Control Bad Breath

One, the probiotics compete with the existing bad bacteria and reduce their presence by “crowding them out”

Two, the probiotics produce BLIS or “bacteriocin-like-inhibitory-substances” which is a technical way of stating that one probiotic strain (bacteria) can produce a substance that inhibits or kills off other bacteria. Three, by working to control gingivitis, gum disease and tooth decay these probiotics reduce the very sources of bacteria-generated odors in the mouth.

How Do Oral Probiotics Work to Fight Tooth Decay?

  • First, oral probiotics can break into and colonize your mouth's biofilm, replacing the "bad" bacteria with good.
  • Second, the beneficial oral probiotics compete against the bad bacteria. In effect they crowd out the "bad" bacteria by establishing themselves in the limited space of the biofilm.
  • Third, now, with a lower volume of S. Mutans, and other acid-forming bacteria, the teeth and gums are not under the constant, disintegrating attack of acids.
  • Fourth, at the same time, the oral probiotics are producing alkaline byproducts. This action not only reduces the acids but inhibits the growth of "bad" bacteria as they thrive in acidic environments.
  • Fifth, as a part of the biofilm, the oral probiotics are able to make their way into those difficult to reach deep areas of the teeth and gums. Once there they can continuously work, 24/7, to create a balanced environment that inhibits tooth decay and gum disease while promoting the healing process.

How do Oral Probiotics Help Against Gum Disease?

  • First, our oral probiotics are chosen for their ability to penetrate into and to colonize within the biofilm (plaque) and to survive in the oral environment
  • Second, these oral probiotics have the ability to successfully compete against the harmful bacteria. There are limited resources in the biofilm and with more beneficial bacteria present then fewer harmful bacteria can exist
  • Third, it is not the presence of plaque that is so much the problem, it is the acids and toxins produced by certain bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the plaque=lowered toxins and acids
  • Fourth, our oral probiotics improve your mouth's pH balance. This has the effect of reducing acid levels and establishes a pH level that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
  • Fifth, unlike brushing or flossing our oral probiotics work their way into those difficult to reach "hideout" zones and so they will work “around the clock” and not just when you brush or floss

Studies have shown a clear reduction in plaque levels and gingivitis symptoms when oral probiotics were administered to patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.