Plaque

aka bacteria, biofilm

Dental Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth
The main reason for brushing your teeth is to get rid of this plaque
If you don't remove plaque, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease

What is dental plaque?

Dental Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

It is more accurate to describe these sticky deposits as a biofilm.

What is a biofilm?

A biofilm is a community of bacteria living together on your teeth. These bacteria stick to your teeth like a soft, slimy film. They use leftover food and sugars in your mouth to grow.

You can think of a dental biofilm as: "A tiny city of germs living on your teeth."

A biofilm is made up of:

Hundreds Bacteria
Food particles (especially sugars and starches)
Saliva proteins
Sticky polysaccharides produced by bacteria

Germs (bacteria that live in your mouth)

Leftover food bits—especially sugary or starchy foods

Saliva stuff that helps the germs stick to your teeth

Sticky goo that the germs make to hold everything together

Dental plaque consists of hundreds of different species of bacteria all living together in a gel like matrix. The matrix helps the bacteria to stick to teeth surfaces and protects them from the harsh environment of the mouth. This is called a biofilm

A dental biofilm is basically the sticky, invisible layer of germs that builds up on your teeth every day.

What will happen if I don't remove plaque?

Bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink. These acids can destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities and gingivitis (gum disease). Plaque can also develop under the gums on tooth roots and break down the bones that support teeth.

If not brushed away, they can make acids that cause cavities and gum problems.

Can I prevent dental plaque from forming on my teeth?

The short answer is No.

Bacteria live in and on our body. We cannot get away from them, and we have a mutualistic relationship with them, which is when two organisms of different species "work together," each benefiting from the relationship. Bacteria in our guts help break down the food we eat to aid our digestion.

DID YOU KNOW? There are 10 times more microbes living in or on your body than there are your own cells!

Why is it important to brush my teeth?

Within minutes of brushing your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth begin to re-colonize the surface of your teeth. That is why it is important to brush your teeth regularly and often.

Think of brushing your teeth as a constant battle with the enemy (bacteria) and you want to prevent them getting a foothold in your mouth where they can then cause problems

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