It is not widely known that within 1-2 minutes after polishing a tooth surface, it is covered by an organic film called a pellicle. It regulates the movement of various substances from the tooth tissues into the oral cavity. Microorganisms and food particles quickly attach to the pellicle due to its porous structure. This process leads to plaque formation. Plaque bacteria produce acid, which is neutralized by saliva in the first hours. After 1-3 days (within 48 hours on average), the plaque becomes dense for the saliva to penetrate. The acid begins to dissolve the tooth enamel, ultimately leading to tooth decay.

Let’s take a closer look at the main causes of plaque formation.

• Poor oral hygiene. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, paying special attention to the inner surface of the teeth and hard-to-reach areas. The key to success is the right toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Food particles stuck between the teeth and the gum line. Use dental floss regularly to remove food debris and interdental plaque.
• Eating foods high in sugar.
• Eating soft foods (particularly relevant for children). Solid food helps keep your teeth and gums clean as you eat them.
• Drinks with coloring agents - coffee, strong tea, energy drinks.
• Smoking. The tar in tobacco forms a film on the teeth and gums, which is very difficult to remove.
• Digestive problems and endocrine disorders that provoke salivary dysfunction.
• Malocclusion, dental and gum diseases are factors that increase the risk of plaque formation.
• Allergic reactions and metabolic disorders. For example, saliva stops being a natural mouth disinfectant in case of changes in its water-salt and pH balance.
• Hormonal changes (mostly in adolescents and pregnant women).

Types of Plaque

Many people are concerned about the color of the plaque. It determines the level of plaque visibility compared to the color of the teeth.

White Plaque

Soft white deposits on the teeth appear every day. It is a mixture of food debris, particles of the oral mucosa and bacteria. This plaque is not harmful if it is completely removed with brushing. If you cannot get rid of white plaque on your teeth, it is better to consult your dentist about more effective care.

Dark, Brown or Black Plaque

Dark plaque on the teeth is a consequence of metabolic imbalance (disorders of phosphorus, vitamin D and calcium metabolism), smoking or dark-colored drinks. This problem cannot be handled at home (active teeth brushing causes the exacerbation of the process). Whitening toothpaste is ineffective in removing black plaque. It is better to immediately get help from a dentist instead of wasting time and money.

Yellow Plaque

Yellow tooth enamel indicates an oversaturation of minerals (for example, in people who drink only mineral water or living in areas where the drinking water contains high levels of mineral salts and iron). In this case, the hardness of enamel is its distinctive feature that makes it impossible to whiten the teeth without damaging them. Yellow plaque on teeth can be hereditary. If the parents' teeth are yellow, then children are likely to have a similar color.

Orange Plaque

Green and orange plaque on teeth is usually caused by a buildup of fungi in childhood and adolescence. A fungal infection produces several coloring pigments: chlorophyll makes the teeth green, and chromogenic bacteria cause orange discolorations on the tooth surfaces. Such pathology can be treated with the help of a dentist and a pediatrician.

Where does Plaque Accumulate More?

Dentists define three zones of plaque formation.

• The lingual surface of the incisors and the lower canine teeth.
• The cheek surfaces of maxillary first and second molars.
• All inner surfaces of all teeth.

Dental Plaque Prevention

• The first means of preventing plaque are a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Use an irrigator and dental floss to clean hard-to-reach areas (interdental spaces, gingival sulcus), braces, crowns, bridges, and dentures.
• Try to brush your teeth after sugary foods, especially after hard candy, taffy, and other sticky foods.
• Visit your dental hygienist for professional oral hygiene every 6 months.

How do Dentists Remove Plaque?

It is recommended that everyone receive professional dental cleaning at least 1-2 times per year. It consists of several stages.

• Preliminary indication. During this session, the dental hygienist applies special colored dye (indicators) to teeth to identify all plaque deposits.
• Plaque removal. The doctor selects the method of cleaning in accordance with the patient's age and individual characteristics.
• Enamel polishing. This process involves brushes and pastes of varying degrees of abrasiveness.
• Remineralization. The final stage of teeth cleaning is aimed to strengthen the enamel and prevent caries.

Keeping teeth healthy and avoiding dental problems is quite easy. The most important thing is to follow oral hygiene rules. You should also not miss preventive measures and regularly do professional teeth cleaning.