What Are the Causes and Treatment of Plaque on Teeth?

Several factors contribute to plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental problems. While some include frequent consumption of sugary food and drinks, most happen due to poor brushing and flossing habits. Plaque is an oral condition that occurs when you do not regularly clean your teeth.

If you are seeking information on what causes plaque on teeth and how you can treat them, then this article is for you.

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What Is Plaque on Teeth?

Dental plaque is a sticky, colourless coat of bacteria continuously forming on your teeth. A plaque will make your teeth feel unusual when you touch them with your tongue. Plaques happen when you consume food containing sugar and starch and do not wash or rinse your mouth properly.

Additionally, plaques also develop under your gums and on the roots of the tooth and break the bones that support your enamel. If you do not treat plaques, they harden into tartar. If you have gingivitis, your gums will swell and bleed, causing severe dental pain.

What Causes Plaque on Teeth?

Dentists advise you to rinse and brush your mouth every time post meals to wash off any food particles inside.

Most people do not follow the routine, so food particles and residues stay between your teeth. This leads to bacteria thriving on this debris, producing certain acids which break down the carbohydrates in the food and drinks. These acids damage your tooth enamel completely. This is the cause of dental plaque. Furthermore, it might lead to tooth decay, cavity attacks, gingivitis, and a more severe dental issue known as periodontitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Plaque?

The symptoms of plaque include:

Halitosis or bad breath even after you brush or floss your teeth.
Red, swollen, sore gums that might bleed suddenly after brushing.
A soft fuzzy feeling on your teeth's side and top sections.

What Are the Complications of Plaque on Teeth?

When you do not regularly brush and floss your teeth, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to certain complications. They are as follows:

1. Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that results in inflammation of your gums. In addition, you will notice red and bleeding gums and might lose your tooth as well if left untreated.

2. Cavities

Cavities are holes that form in your teeth that erode the tooth enamel inside your mouth. This might further lead to dental infection and can lead you to get tooth extractions.

3. Tooth Decay

Plaques lead to tooth decay and loss when the bacteria attack the enamel loosening the roots of your tooth.

4. Abscessed Tooth

Plaques and tartars also lead to an abscessed tooth, a pus discharge caused due to infection from bacteria. It affects the adjacent teeth and the surrounding bones too.

How to Diagnose Plaques in Teeth?

When you notice symptoms of plaque, you must immediately visit your dentist. This is how they will diagnose the disease:

Step 1: During a regular dental check-up, if your dentist detects plaque, they will first rinse your mouth thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 2: Then, they will use tools to determine which of your teeth has plaque formation.

Step 3: Using a scraper, your dentist will scrape off the plaque on your teeth.

Step 4: Your dentist might conduct professional dental cleanings to clean your mouth and teeth deeply.

Step 5: In addition, your dentist might ask you to do a dental X-ray to rule out the chances of cavities or other dental diseases.

How to Treat Plaque in Teeth?

During a dental examination, your dentist will follow the below dental plaque treatments to help you get rid of dental plaques:

Your dentist might provide dental sealants that will ensure protection on the top of your teeth. This will avoid plaque formation too.
Scraping off the tartar and plaque during regular dental cleanings is another way to eliminate this issue.
The dentist might suggest certain dry mouth medicines that will increase the flow of saliva inside your mouth. Saliva keeps your mouth healthy, and the flow of the same will reduce the build-up of hard plaque on your teeth.
Your dentist might also suggest fluoride treatments that reduce the growth of bacteria that causes plaque. This will also reduce tooth decay as well.
Using antibacterial mouthwash such as chlorhexidine is another way of plaque treatment and can help reduce plaque build-up.

How to Prevent Formation of Plaques?

Taking care of your gums and teeth is the key to reducing any oral disease, including plaque. Here are some additional preventive measures you must consider to prevent the formation of plaque on teeth:

1. Brush and Floss

Brush your teeth twice a day after meals, followed by flossing to eliminate the tiny food particles stuck between your teeth. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste to induce deeper dental cleaning.

2. Avoid Sugar and Starch

Try to avoid food and drinks that contain sugar and starch whenever possible. Even if you have some, brush soon after consuming such eatables. Rinse your mouth thoroughly to get rid of small debris inside your mouth.

3. Visit Your Dentist

Try to see your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will monitor your teeth; if they find plaques or tartar, they will scrape them off.

4. Use Antiseptic Mouthwash

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with an antiseptic mouthwash prescribed by your dentist. Doing it twice or thrice daily will keep your mouth clean and free from bacteria.

5. Rinse With Lukewarm Saltwater

Another way to keep your mouth clean and free from infection and bacteria is to rinse with lukewarm salt water. This is an excellent home remedy that takes care of your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long before I have to visit the doctor for plaque removal again?

Plaques form soon after you eat your meals. So, brush effectively and keep your mouth clean after your meals. However, even then you will need to visit the doctor for dental cleaning every six months to keep them away.

What type of bacteria is there in plaques?

Dental plaques contain bacteria that are aciduric and acidogenic. Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli are some of the most common bacteria that initiate and intensify the growth of plaques.

Why do some people get tartar so easily?

It is generally due to poor oral hygiene for which bad dental habits are highly responsible. However, consistent efforts can revert the effects.