Comprehensive Guide to Dental Plaque
Causes and treatment of plaque buildup and the importance of plaque prevention
What is Plaque
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless and soft deposit that continually forms around and between teeth. It is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth.
Some types of plaque cause tooth decay, while other types of plaque cause gum disease.
If dental plaque is not removed and accumulates, it can harden and turn into calculus (tartar).
Plaque can develop:
- On teeth above the gum line (supragingival)
- Below the gum line on the roots of teeth (subgingival)
- Along the gum line (gingival)
What Does It Do
Any plaque that isn't removed during regular tooth brushing will build up in a thick layer. Those microorganisms nearest the tooth surface start to produce acids.
Tooth Damage
These acids lead to demineralization of the adjacent tooth surface (dental caries). The saliva is unable to penetrate the build-up of plaque and cannot neutralize the acid.
Gum Problems
Plaque causes irritation of the gums around the teeth leading to inflammation (gingivitis). Continued plaque accumulation contributes to gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.
What Causes Plaque
Tooth-decaying oral bacteria utilize sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose or cooked starches) as their food source. During the process of digesting these sugars, they produce acids as waste products.
These acids are produced within minutes after eating or drinking and cause the demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin. It can take several hours for saliva to penetrate the layers of dental plaque and neutralize the acids.
⚠️ Key Fact: Plaque that is only a few hours old will not cause as much tooth demineralization as plaque which is several days old.
Home Testing for Plaque
Plaque is difficult to see as it is initially whitish colored, like teeth. However, home dental plaque identification tests are available at drugstores and grocery stores. They consist of tablets that stain plaque red thus making them more visible.
DIY Testing Method:
You can smear green food coloring on your teeth using a cotton swab. The red or green color will show you where there is still plaque, allowing you to see whether and when more brushing is needed.
Prevention
🦷 Brushing - Twice Daily
- • Thorough brushing breaks up plaque accumulation
- • Use small circular motions, not hard scrubbing
- • Avoid harmful ingredients in commercial toothpastes
🚰 Rinsing - Multiple Times
Rinse often throughout the day - particularly after a meal or sugar drinks.
🧵 Flossing - Daily
Floss daily to remove germs and food particles between teeth. Floss gently to avoid harming your gums.
👅 Brush the Tongue - Daily
Food residues and microorganisms causing dental disease are present on the tongue. It's particularly vital at night.
🥗 Diet
- • Eat a balanced diet
- • Avoid sugary and starchy foods
- • Limit snacks throughout the day
- • Rinse after each meal
🚭 Don't Smoke or Chew Tobacco
Smokers have more harmful bacteria and heal poorly after treatment. Tobacco can cause gum recession and bone loss.
Alternative / Holistic Treatments
🌰 Black Walnut Powder
Natural abrasive properties effectively remove dental plaque and anti-inflammatory powers soothe swollen gums.
🧪 Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralizes acids and whitens teeth. Hydrogen peroxide cleans and disinfects. Mix into paste and use as toothpaste.
🌿 Oil of Oregano
Anti-bacterial properties prevent plaque and gum disease. Swish 1-2 drops in mouth or put on toothbrush.
🌸 Herbal Rinse
Echinacea, Goldenseal, Calendula, Aloe, Bloodroot and Grapefruit Seed Extract can reduce plaque by 50% and gum pockets by 1-2mm.
🍃 Other Natural Options
- • Oil of eucalyptus massage
- • Bilberry fruit and hawthorn berry
- • Licorice root for anti-cavity action
🧪 Dr. Schultz Tooth and Gum Formula
A powerful liquid formulation effective for receding gums, rotting teeth, and diseased dental bone. The botanicals reduce inflammation, stop bleeding gums, and tighten gum tissue.