Dental Plaque – Ask Dr. Farooq Sorathia
What Is Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. It starts off as a colourless sticky film on the surface of the tooth, as it thickens, it changes its colour to yellow or brown. The mouth contains has over 500 different species of organisms that are present. In health, they all are in a delicate balance, but, when the environment changes, some organisms take this opportunity and flourish. Some of these organisms may cause diseases which may not only affect the mouth but the rest of the body.
Among other factors, ‘dental plaque’ is one of the major contributors to dental decay among other factors. It can also be responsible for gum disease (gingivitis), as well as gum and bone loss (periodontal disease). The best way to control plaque is proper brushing at least twice a day, and flossing daily.
Plaque starts accumulating almost immediately after brushing your teeth. Plaque normally accumulates around the chewing surface of the teeth, in between the teeth and close to the gums. The bacteria then feed on the residual sugars from our diet and produce acid as a waste product. The products of the bacteria cause the reddening and bleeding of gums. Over time, if dental plaque isn’t removed, it hardens due to minerals present in the saliva. This hardened plaque is called calculus or tartar, which is attached to the surface of the teeth and acts as a reservoir for other organisms to adhere.
Unfortunately, once calculus forms, it cannot be removed by routine tooth brushing and flossing. It has to be cleaned professionally by a dentist or hygienist. The oral health professional uses special instruments to break down and remove the solidified plaque on the teeth, allowing the gums to heal back to their normal shape, size and colour. This exercise should be done every six months for healthy individuals, whereas some may require more frequent visits for dental plaque and calculus removal.
