Dental plaque Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Dental Plaque Overview Dental plaque is a sticky colourless film containing bacteria, saliva, and leftover food particles; constant plaque formation on the teeth is normal. However, regular non-removal of plaque can lead to the hardening of the dental plaque, forming tartar, which is the leading cause of gum disease. As tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, tooth cleaning by a dental professional is required.Initially, tartar appears off-white or yellow; later, it takes on the colour of the food or substances being consumed. Certain activities, including the consumption of tea, coffee, red wine, and chocolates, chewing tobacco, and smoking, cause the tartar to appear darker. Causes and risk factors When bacteria in the oral cavity mouth interact with starchy or sugar-rich foods, such as chocolates, bread, pasta, fruits, milk, soft drinks, or juices, they release acids for metabolising the carbohydrates in these foodstuffs. Failing to brush teeth or delays in brushing teeth after the consumption of such foods can cause the combination of bacterial cells and acids and carbohydrates to accumulate; the resulting deposits appear as a sticky, colourless film, which is termed plaque. Symptoms The common symptoms of dental plaque formation include:Fuzzy sensations on the teethRed, swollen gumsBleeding gums, especially after brushingHalitosis (bad breath) that does not go awaySevere dental plaque and tartar formation can lead to:cavity formationtooth infection and lossgingivitis and other types of gum diseases Diagnosis If the teeth appear or feel fuzzy, it is likely that plaque formation has occurred. For the maintenance of dental hygiene, scheduling an appointment with a dentist, who will examine the gums and teeth and prescribe appropriate treatments (if needed), is recommended.Regular visits to the dentist for teeth cleaning are also recommended. While some people need to undergo tooth cleaning once every 6 months, in cases where plaque formation is severe, more frequent visits may be required. Dentists often recommend the type of cleaning schedule that best suits the patient’s needs. Treatment Dentists use specialised instruments for the removal of plaque and tartar. The following treatments may also be recommended:Application of dental sealants to prevent further plaque formation.Fluoride-based treatments to inhibit the growth of plaque-causing bacteria and reduce the risk of tooth decay.Application of prescribed toothpaste or antibacterial mouthwash.Treatments to prevent dry mouth and increase saliva production.