What is dental plaque?
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s normal to produce plaque. But if you don’t remove plaque with routine dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing, it can cause cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues.
What is tooth plaque made of?
Plaque contains bacteria, leftover food particles and saliva. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on food debris (like sugars and carbohydrates). This breaks the food down into a sticky, acidic film — what we know as dental plaque.
What does plaque look like on your teeth?
Technically, plaque is colorless. But sometimes it can cause tooth discoloration because food particles stick to the plaque.
Dental plaque makes your teeth look (and feel) “fuzzy.” If you run your tongue over your teeth and it feels like they’re wearing tiny sweaters, that’s plaque.
Tartar vs. plaque
Tartar is hardened plaque. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, it will turn into tartar. At this point, you can’t brush or floss it away. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove it. Dental calculus is another name for tartar.
Tartar might be off-white or yellow at first. But after a while, it will take on the color of whatever foods or substances you consume. For example, certain things can make tartar look darker, including:
- Coffee.
- Tea.
- Red wine.
- Smoking.
- Chewing tobacco.
