What Is Plaque?

Whether we’re sitting in the dentist’s chair or not, when we hear the word “plaque,” we know it’s not a good thing. But what exactly is dental plaque, and why is it related to so many oral health issues?

What Is Plaque, Exactly?

Simply put, dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. This bacteria feeds off sugars from foods left on teeth (due to improper brushing), producing acids in the process. These acids attack tooth enamel and can cause it to break down. Since many things we eat and drink during the day contain some sort of sugar, that acid production could be happening all day long!

What Health Issues Can Plaque Cause?

Poor brushing habits allow the acids produced by dental plaque to slowly eat away at tooth enamel, which is what causes cavities. Plaque that is left on teeth for too long can also form into a hard substance called tartar. Calculus (tartar) can form anywhere on the exposed tooth surface, and can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist during dental cleanings.

Untreated plaque doesn’t just go after our teeth — it can also affect our gums. Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is typically caused by plaque and can unleash all sorts of not-fun scenarios like bleeding gums, a receding gum line, and potentially, tooth loss.

So even though we all deal with plaque, if we don’t fight it daily, it can create a boatload of issues.

How to Fight Back Against Plaque

Brushing twice a day and flossing are two of the best ways to fight against plaque. Making sure you schedule regular dental cleanings is another way to keep your mouth safe. Give your mouth some extra TLC by brushing with Parodontax, a toothpaste that not only fights plaque, but is also clinically proven to help reduce bleeding gums (an early sign of gum disease).

Whether you’re dealing with the effects of plaque and want to help reverse course, or you just aspire to keep your teeth strong and gums healthy, Parodontax has you covered!