Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Plaque?SymptomsCausesDiagnosisHow to Remove PlaquePreventionComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Plaque?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
How to Remove Plaque
Prevention
Complications
Plaqueremoval is important to keep your teeth healthy. Plaque causes a buildup of tartar on your teeth. It can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and other dental problems.
This article discusses the symptoms and causes of plaque and tartar. It also covers ways to remove plaque and how to prevent it from becoming tartar buildup.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Plaqueis a kind of sticky film found on the teeth. It forms when the bacteria in the mouth is mixed with sugary or starchy food and drinks. The bacteria in the mouth, acids, and carbohydrates from food or drinks mix together and form into this colorless substance.
Plaque has to be removed regularly or it can harden into tartar and lead to dental complications. Some types of plaque can cause cavities while other types of plaque affect the gums.
Symptoms of Plaque Buildup
The symptoms of plaque include:
Signs of Tartar on Teeth
The symptoms of tartar include:
Does Coconut Oil Whiten Yellow Teeth?
Causes of Plaque Buildup
Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. Drinks like milk, juice, and soda, and foods like fruit, pasta, and bread contain carbohydrates. When consumed, bacteria found in the mouth release a kind of acid to help break down these carbohydrates. These acids, together with the bacteria and carbohydrates, combine together to form plaque.
If plaque isn’t removed from daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it starts to build up and hardens into tartar.
Diagnosing Plaque
During an appointment, the dentist or hygienist will examine the mouth and gums and also ask about your medical history. Depending on the circumstances, the dentist or hygienist may use instruments to inspect the gums.
Plaque can be removed withgood oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing every day using the proper methods. By removing plaque, you can prevent tartar from forming. If tartar does form, your dentist can remove it during your regular appointment.
Proper Brushing
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step to removing plaque properly.
To brush the teeth properly:
Guide to Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way
Proper Flossing
While brushing will remove the plaque from the teeth, it won’t help remove plaque between the teeth, under braces, or under the gum line. This is why flossing at least once a day is important. Dentists typically recommend using unwaxed floss, as it is thinner and easier to use.
To floss effectively:
A water flosser could also be used in place of floss. This sprays water between your teeth to flush away plaque and food particles.
Using MouthwashMouthwash can also help to decrease plaque on your teeth when used in addition to brushing and flossing. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria, which contributes to plaque. Flouride mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth to prevent decay from plaque.Check with your dentist before using. Children who are 6 years old or younger shouldn’t use a fluoride mouthwash.
Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash can also help to decrease plaque on your teeth when used in addition to brushing and flossing. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria, which contributes to plaque. Flouride mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth to prevent decay from plaque.Check with your dentist before using. Children who are 6 years old or younger shouldn’t use a fluoride mouthwash.
Mouthwash can also help to decrease plaque on your teeth when used in addition to brushing and flossing. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria, which contributes to plaque. Flouride mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth to prevent decay from plaque.
Check with your dentist before using. Children who are 6 years old or younger shouldn’t use a fluoride mouthwash.
Home Remedies
Baking Soda
Brushing with baking sodahas been found to help scrub away plaque and bacteria. One study found that baking soda pastes were effective in removing plaque biofilm.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been found to have plaque-fighting benefits. Studies have found that aloe vera mouthwash is as effective in reducing plaque aschlorhexidineoral rinses, which are considered the “gold standard” of mouthwashes.
Some types of herbal toothpaste and mouthwashes contain aloe vera. Check to make sure that they have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
White Vinegar and Water
A solution of white vinegar and water is thought to reduce plaque formation because of its antimicrobial properties. However, vinegar can also cause erosion to tooth enamel due to acidity.If you’re interested in using a white vinegar and water solution as a mouth rinse, check with your dentist first.
Oil Pulling
Oil pullinginvolves swishing edible oil (like coconut or sesame oil) around in your mouth to improve dental health. It has been found in some studies to reduce plaque formation, but more research is needed before it can be recommended as a treatment.
Removing Tartar on Teeth
Tartar cannot be treated at home. It cannot be removed with regular teeth brushing. Only a dentist can remove tartar. Treatment for tartar involves a visit to the dentist and a professional oral cleaning.
At a dentist visit, the dentist or hygienist will scrape off plaque and tartar. They may also suggest other treatment options.
During your regular check-up, your dentist may recommend other treatments to prevent plaque buildup and tartar. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are two common options to protect your teeth.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a painted-on plastic coating applied to the areas of the teeth involved in chewing. Sealants are often applied on the molars and premolars.
The liquid seal is applied to the teeth where it covers the grooves in each tooth. It is then “cured” or hardened using a special kind of light. This seal protects the enamel of the teeth from bacteria and food.
Fluoride Treatments
Healthy Lifestyle
Beside brushing and flossing, other healthy dental habits include:
If it’s not possible to brush your teeth soon after drinking or eating, chewing a sugarless gum may help prevent plaque. Look for a gum that has the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA).
When plaque builds up, it can wear away the enamel of your teeth. Complications of plaque and tartar buildup include:
Summary
Both plaque and tartar can be prevented with good oral hygiene. If you have any concerns about your teeth or oral health, you should speak with your dentist.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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