What is plaque?

01Why it matters

Plaque is the main cause of both tooth decay and gum disease. The germs in plaque, called bacteria, live on sugar and starch from the food you eat. As they feed, they make acid. Over time, that acid can wear holes in your tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth.

Plaque that sits along the gumline can also make the gums red, puffy, and quick to bleed. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. The good news is that plaque is soft. You can remove most of it at home with a toothbrush and floss.

02Signs and causes

Plaque is often hard to see because it is clear or pale yellow. You may notice it as a fuzzy feeling when you run your tongue over your teeth. It can also show up as a dull, sticky coating near the gums.

Some things make plaque build up faster:

• Sugary or starchy snacks and drinks, especially when you sip or snack all day.
• Skipping brushing or flossing, even for a short time.
• A dry mouth, since saliva helps wash germs away. Some medicines can cause dry mouth.
• Braces, crowns, or bridges, which give plaque more places to hide.
• Smoking or using other tobacco.

03What happens

Plaque starts to form again within hours after you brush. If it is not cleaned off, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar is a crusty deposit that brushing and flossing cannot remove. Only a dental team member can scrape it off with special tools.

At a cleaning visit, the dental team removes plaque and tartar from above and just below the gumline. The dentist then checks your teeth and gums for signs of decay or gum disease. How often you need a cleaning depends on your mouth, and the dentist will tell you what fits you.

Left alone, plaque and tartar can lead to cavities and deeper gum disease. Deeper gum disease can harm the bone that holds your teeth in place.

04Cost factors

Cleaning plaque at home takes only a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. The cost of a cleaning at the office depends on a few things:

• Whether you need a routine cleaning or a deeper cleaning below the gums.
• How much tartar has built up since your last visit.
• Whether X-rays are due at your visit.
• Your dental insurance plan and what it covers. Call the office to check your plan.
• Whether you choose to use CareCredit, a healthcare financing option the office accepts.

05How to prevent it

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another tool made for that job.
• Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks, and drink water between meals.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
• Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings.

If your gums bleed when you brush, do not stop brushing. Gentle, steady cleaning often helps the gums heal. Tell the dentist at your next visit so they can check for gum disease.

Due for a cleaning? See our teeth cleaning and exams page.

06Questions people ask