Posted on 10/10/2022 by Southern Family Dental Care
Most people have heard of plaque but don't know exactly what it is. Plaque is a sticky film on the teeth and can cause cavities and gum disease if not removed. Read on to know more about plaque, its causes, and how it is treated or removed.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a film-like substance that forms on your teeth. It's made up of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. Plaque can harden and turn into tartar if it's not removed. Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque and can lead to gum disease. Good dental care can help remove and prevent plaque formation on the teeth.
What Are the Common Causes of Plaque?
Your mouth may have bacteria — most of which are harmless. However, when these bacteria mix with food particles and saliva, they can form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. Plaque can harden and turn into tartar, a yellow or brown deposit that adheres to the surface of your teeth. Common causes of plaque include not brushing your teeth regularly, not flossing daily, eating sugary or starchy foods, drinking sugary beverages, such as soda or juice, and smoking or using other tobacco products.
How Is Plaque Treated?
The primary way to treat plaque is through good oral hygiene. It means brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. If you have a lot of plaque buildup, your dentist may recommend professional cleaning. It is a more thorough cleaning than you can do at home. During a professional cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth. Professional cleanings are vital because they can help remove stubborn plaque and tartar that you may not be able to reach with brushing and flossing. They can also help prevent gum disease.
Our clinic offers various services to help remove plaque from your teeth and prevent it from returning. Our dental hygienists are trained in the latest techniques to remove plaque quickly and efficiently. We also offer a variety of products that can help keep plaque under control.
About Us - Peachtree Corners, GA • Southern Family Dental Care At Southern Family Dental Care, we want our patients to maintain healthy, bright & beautiful smiles! Click here to learn more about us. Call to schedule! Southern Family Dental Care - Clint Baugham DDS, 3961 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 / 470-410-9774 / southernfamilydentalcare.com / 3/22/2025 / Tags: dentist Peachtree Corners GA /
Most people have heard of plaque but don't know exactly what it is. Plaque is a sticky film on the teeth and can cause cavities and gum disease if not removed. Read on to know more about plaque, its causes, and how it is treated or removed.