Certain foods contribute most to plaque formation. Mostly, these are foods that contain carbohydrates or simple sugars. The bacteria in plaque feed on the simple sugars created when saliva breaks down these carbohydrates. Some of the most carbohydrate-packed foods include sweets and sodas, though fruit, milk and bread also contain sugars that can contribute to bacterial growth. Plaque buildup gets worse if you do not practice good oral hygiene.
Brushing and flossing regularly can help you manage plaque buildup and prevent it from accumulating. While plaque is a naturally forming substance, that does not mean it is harmless. When the bacteria in plaque consume and process simple sugars from your diet, they excrete acid as a waste product, mixing in with the plaque. This acid in the plaque can cause numerous oral and general health problems if you do not remove it through brushing and flossing.
You may also see a thick, white deposit forming along your gum lines if you look at your teeth closely. All of this is dental plaque. If you brush more regularly, it can be a bit more difficult to see plaque due to its lack of color.
If you want to visualize your plaque for yourself, you can buy a disclosing tablet from your local pharmacy or rinse out your mouth with a few drops of food coloring in water — both of these options will temporarily stain the plaque on your teeth so you can see it more easily. This will help you judge how well you are brushing and flossing, as well as which areas you may need to pay more attention to.
If you leave plaque on your teeth, the minerals in your saliva begin to deposit into the plaque, causing it to calcify and harden, forming tartar. Tartar, or calculus, tends to form within 24 to 72 hours of plaque forming on the teeth, though the average amount of time needed for it to develop is 48 hours after plaque deposits on the teeth. Other risk factors include braces, dry mouth, crowded teeth, smoking and advanced aging.
A good way to see if you have tartar buildup on your teeth is to floss or run a toothpick over your teeth along the gumlines. If you feel any ridges close to the gumline, this often indicates tartar buildup.
You might also notice persistent discoloration at or below your gumline since tartar has a darker coloration than plaque and can often appear yellow or brown. Removing plaque is easy but requires consistent maintenance.
Since plaque is continually building up within your mouth, a daily routine is absolutely essential. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you get rid of plaque:. Recent Blog Articles. Health news headlines can be deceiving. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health?
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Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Sign Up. Plaque sometimes reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, which can cause angina symptoms. Plaque in the large artery in the neck carotid artery stenosis may block blood flow to the brain and is a common cause of transient ischemic attack sometimes called "mini-stroke" and stroke. Stable and unstable plaque.
Plaques are defined based on the risk that they will tear or rupture. Stable plaque is less likely to rupture. These plaques have a thick fibrous cap and are made up of substances that are stable and not likely to rupture. Unstable plaque is more likely to rupture. These plaques have a thin fibrous cap and are made up of substances like fats that can expand. Inflammation within the plaque can make the fibrous cap unstable and more likely to tear apart. Blocked artery. A blockage in the artery can happen if the plaque tears or ruptures.
This rupture exposes the cholesterol and tissue that was under the fibrous cap. Blood clots form in response to this rupture. The blood clot blocks the blood flow in the artery. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.
This theory suggests that atherosclerosis develops as a result of repetitive injury to the inner lining of the artery. Injury may stimulate cells to grow and divide as part of the inflammatory process. This normal, healing response to chronic injury may actually result in the growth of atherosclerotic plaque. Smoking plays a large role in the development of atherosclerosis. The carbon monoxide and nicotine contained in tobacco smoke affect blood flow through your arteries by:.
Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The wall of the aorta and all blood vessels is a dynamic tissue made up of living cells that need nutrients and oxygen. Many of these nutrients seep from the inside of the blood vessel through the walls to nourish the rest of the blood vessel. When the inner lining of the vessel is covered with an atherosclerotic plaque, nutrients can no longer seep through sufficiently.
The cells receive no oxygen, and some of them die. Always store mouth rinses someplace children cannot get to them. Some rinses contain ingredients that can be harmful if swallowed in large enough amounts. Talk to your dentist about including cranberry products in your diet. Lab studies have shown that polyphenols in cranberries are effective deterrents to two of the mouth bacteria most likely to lead to cavities: Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus.
Plaque forms in your mouth every night as you sleep and during the day as you eat and drink. If you practice good oral hygiene, limit sugary foods and drinks, and see your dentist twice a year to have plaque thoroughly removed, you can keep its growth manageable. Without regular cleanings, plaque may harden into tartar, or it may cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth as you sleep and as you move through your day. The bacteria in plaque feed on carbs and sugars, producing acid as they metabolize the sugars. The acids can damage your enamel and the roots of your teeth, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
The good news is that with thorough brushing, flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash, and biannual trips to the dentist, you should be able to keep the growth of plaque to a minimum and maintain the health of your mouth. Plaque accumulates on the teeth both above and below the gum line. If not removed, it can damage your teeth and gums. Resorption of teeth happens when parts of a tooth begin to break down and are absorbed by your body.
Injury, teeth grinding, and cavities can all…. Tartar removal at home isn't as easy as brushing away plaque.
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