When you visit our dental office or purchase oral care products, you’ll likely hear the term “plaque.” Plaque buildup is a major contributor to tooth decay and gum disease, making it essential to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. At Gardner Family Dentistry of Huntsville, we want to help you understand how plaque can harm your smile and how you can prevent it.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that naturally forms on your teeth. If you haven’t brushed your teeth in a while, you may notice a fuzzy feeling or a slimy buildup on your teeth, this is plaque. While plaque itself cannot be entirely prevented, it can be minimized through effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to your dentist in Huntsville.

• Plaque is made up of bacteria that accumulate on your teeth.
• It’s a sticky substance that can adhere to your teeth and gums.
• It forms naturally over time, especially if you skip regular brushing or flossing.

What Does Plaque Look Like?

Plaque is colorless, making it difficult to detect. However, its sticky nature can make your teeth feel fuzzy or slightly rough. Over time, if plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it may attract food particles, causing staining. As plaque hardens, it can turn yellow, which is when it becomes tartar.

• Plaque may cause your teeth to feel “fuzzy.”
• It can attract food particles, leading to discoloration.
• When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, which must be removed professionally.

Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s the Difference?

The difference between plaque and tartar is significant. Plaque can be brushed away with regular care, but if left untreated, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is a mineralized form of plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional. Once tartar forms, it can lead to yellowish teeth, bad breath, and even gum disease.

• Plaque is soft and can be removed by brushing and flossing.
• Tartar forms when plaque is left untreated for several days and can only be removed by a dentist.
• Tartar buildup contributes to yellowed teeth and bad breath.

The Effects of Plaque on Your Oral Health

Plaque, if not removed through proper oral care, can lead to a range of dental issues. As plaque accumulates, it produces acids that can damage the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities. Plaque is also the leading cause of gingivitis, a form of gum disease that causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Additionally, the buildup of tartar can make it difficult to clean your teeth thoroughly, leading to further dental issues.

• Plaque produces acid that can cause tooth decay.
• Untreated plaque leads to tartar, which is harder to remove.
• Plaque buildup can result in gum disease (gingivitis), causing swollen or bleeding gums.

Preventing Plaque Buildup

To prevent plaque from building up on your teeth, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. Remember to brush gently, especially around the gum line, to avoid damaging your gums. Regular dental visits are also crucial for removing plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be eliminated with at-home care alone.

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss once daily to remove plaque from between your teeth.
• Be gentle while brushing, especially at the gum line.
• Visit your dentist in Huntsville regularly for professional cleanings.

At Gardner Family Dentistry of Huntsville, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and keep plaque at bay!