Dental Plaque: A Daily Problem with Painful Consequences

In some advertisements for toothbrushes and toothpaste, plaque is sometimes incorrectly depicted as a particulate substance. Although particulate material in the form of food does accumulate in between teeth, they are not in themselves dental plaque, though they may eventually cause it.


Dental plaque is actually a biofilm, consisting of a thin yet visible film of filamentous microorganisms and particles stuck in between teeth. It is readily felt by the tongue and can even be scraped off by the fingernails though more effective methods of manual removal exist. When allowed to accumulate over the course of a day, it turns to tartar, which is evident as a visible yellow stain on teeth that can be removed only by dentist's instruments.

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Plaque is a natural result of the normal flora of the mouth and, thus, cannot be prevented. Cosmetic concerns surrounding teeth discoloration aside, dental plaque plays a role in tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. When exposed to high-sugar or high-carbohydrate environments—a particularly common occurrence in modern diets—dental plaque retains lactic acid, which can cause dental caries if exposed to teeth for prolonged periods.

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Thus, the regular removal of plaque and tartar play a key role in lasting dental health. Habitual brushing and flossing on a daily basis dislodge dental plaque while still in its soft film form, whereas annual teeth cleaning visits to the dentist remove accumulated tartar. Fluoridated toothpaste and drinking water also strengthen the tooth and create a surface that bacteria cannot readily cling on to, reducing the amount of plaque that forms and making it easier to remove subsequently.


Domenick Coletti, DDS, M.D., is an accomplished oral surgeon in Maryland. Visit this website for more on him and his practice.

Why visiting the dentist matters

It has been said time and again that regular dental check-up is a must for everyone. However, a report recently published in the Journal of Dental Research revealed that nearly 4 billion people—or almost half of the world’s population have oral health conditions that can lead to other issues, like the inability to eat properly or sleep at night. And individuals who suffer from untreated conditions such as tooth decay or cavities in permanent teeth make up 35 percent of the global population. Of all the 291 major ailments identified in the report titled Global Burden of Oral Conditions in 1990-2010: A Systematic Analysis, cavities were the most common.

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In the U.S., the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that about 16 percent of children from ages 6 to 19 suffer from untreated dental caries. As for the percentage of adults (ages 20 to 64) with untreated dental caries, CDC estimates it around 24 percent.

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Visiting the dentist twice a year for cleaning and general check-up is not only a good oral health practice, but it can be a lifesaver, too, as studies have shown that there are several diseases and health conditions that can be influenced by the cleanliness of the mouth. Thus, it is important for people to visit their dentist on a regular basis as a salute to good health.

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Domenick Coletti DDS, MD, is a partner at Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Subscribe to this Twitter account for select news about oral health.