The biofilm known as dental plaque, which develops naturally on the surfaces of teeth, is a constant risk to oral health. If left untreated, the complex colony of microorganisms that live inside this sticky, colorless film can cause havoc on teeth and gums.

• Plaque is a soft, colorless layer comprising a complex microbial population, saliva, food particles, and other elements.
• On teeth, it is a substance constantly growing throughout the day. It is simple to get rid of by regularly brushing and flossing.
• Plaque becomes tartar, a hardened form, when plaque is not correctly removed from the teeth. As long as plaque is present on the tooth surfaces, salivary minerals penetrate the plaque, causing it to calcify or harden.
• It cannot be eradicated by simply brushing regularly, unlike plaque. A dental professional must remove it.

Tooth decay: The enamel on your teeth, which serves as a protective outer covering, can be worn away by the acids produced by the bacteria in plaque.

Gum disease: Your gums can become irritated by plaque and become red, puffy, and painful. The word for this early stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If neglected, it can worsen into periodontitis, resulting in tooth loss, bone loss, and even gum recession.

A bad breath: Plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth break down food particles while exhaling harmful gases in the process. Halitosis, or persistent bad breath, may develop from this.

Tartar formation: If plaque is left untreated on a regular basis, it can harden into calculus or tartar. Only a dental specialist can remove tartar, a gritty, yellowish, or brownish deposit that firmly adheres to the teeth.

• Brush your teeth properly
• Floss each day
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash
• Diet
• Follow meals with water
• Avoid using tobacco
• Go to the dentist frequently
• Consider dental sealants