Are your teeth yellow? This is about dental plaque!

Have you ever brushed your teeth in the morning and run your tongue over them? They feel like they're covered in something, a little rough, right? Sometimes your teeth can feel like they're "like leeches" or like they're wearing a little fur coat. That's what we call dental plaque, or as doctors call it , 'dental plaque' . This is actually a very common thing. But if not taken care of properly, it can cause big problems. So today, let's talk about it in detail.

What is this 'plaque' that builds up on teeth?

Simply put, dental plaque is a sticky, bacterial film that forms on our teeth. Yes, you heard that right, bacteria! It's normal for this to form. But if we don't remove this plaque by brushing our teeth daily and having our teeth cleaned by a dentist, it can lead to a number of oral health problems, including cavities and gingivitis.

Now let's see what this dental plaque is made of. It is mainly made up of bacteria, small pieces of food that we eat, and the saliva in our mouths. When we eat food, especially foods that contain carbohydrates like sugar, bread, rice, pasta, and fruit, the bacteria in our mouths use these food particles to digest them. In this process, these bacteria produce a type of acid. It is these acids, food particles, and saliva that combine to form this sticky, colorless film, which is dental plaque.

"Okay, so how does this plaque look on your teeth?" you might be wondering. Actually, plaque is colorless. That means it has no color. But sometimes, food particles can get stuck to this plaque, making your teeth look discolored. If your teeth feel "fuzzy," like they're covered in something, or have a rough surface, that's plaque.

Are 'Plaque' and 'Tartar' the same thing?

Yes, these two are a little different. 'Tartar' is dental plaque that has accumulated on the teeth over time and has hardened into a hard stone. Some people also call it "dental calculus." Doctors also call it "dental calculus."

Imagine, if you don't brush your teeth properly every day and remove plaque, after a while that plaque will start to harden. That's when tartar forms. Once this tartar forms, it can't be removed by brushing or flossing normally. To remove it, you definitely need to have a dentist or dental hygienist clean it using special equipment.

Tartar may initially appear white to yellow in color. However, over time, it can change color depending on what you eat and drink. For example:

• Coffee
• Tea
• red wine
• Smoking
• Tobacco chewing

Things like this can darken the color of tartar. That's why some people's teeth look brown or black.

How do you know if you have plaque on your teeth?

There are several key signs to look for to determine if plaque is present:

• A "fuzzy" feeling when you touch your teeth, as if there is something sticky on them.
• Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria in plaque that cannot be eliminated by brushing your teeth.
• Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, red, swollen gums. These can be early signs of gingivitis, the main cause of which is plaque.

But to know for sure, the best thing to do is to see a dentist and have your teeth and gums examined. They will then tell you what treatment you need.

Why does this 'plaque' form on teeth?

As we've discussed before, plaque is formed when bacteria in our mouths interact with the sugar and starch (carbohydrate) foods we eat. Imagine you've eaten something like milk, fruit juice, sweetened drinks, bread, pasta, rice, or cake. The sugar and carbohydrates in these foods are the main food for bacteria in our mouths.

These bacteria use those food particles to produce acids. If you don't brush your teeth quickly after eating or drinking, the bacteria, acids, and carbohydrates combine to form a sticky, colorless film called plaque. It's like when you put something greasy in the kitchen sink, dirt will collect around it.

What happens if you just leave the plaque on? Is it dangerous?

Yes, plaque is not something you can just throw away. If you don't brush and floss your teeth daily, plaque will gradually harden and turn into tartar. As we said before, only a dentist can remove tartar.

If plaque and tartar build up in this way, serious problems can occur. These include:

• Tooth decay (Cavities): Acids produced by bacteria in plaque dissolve tooth enamel and cause cavities.
• Gingivitis and other gum diseases: Plaque causes the gums to become red, swollen, and begin to bleed. This is the early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can become severe and damage the bone around the teeth.
• Infection at the root of the tooth (abscessed tooth): When tooth decay is severe, the infection can spread to the root of the tooth and form a pus-filled abscess. This can be very painful.
• Tooth loss: When gum disease becomes severe, the bone around the teeth can dissolve, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

Imagine how big problems can start with plaque, which can start as something small! That's why it's so important to take care of your oral health.

How do dentists treat plaque and tartar?

When you visit a dentist, during a dental checkup, the dentist or dental hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This is commonly called "scaling and polishing."

In addition, depending on your condition, your dentist may also recommend the following:

• Dental Sealants: These are a protective coating placed in the fine grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This reduces the build-up of plaque in those grooves, which is especially beneficial for children.
• Treatment for dry mouth: Some people have low saliva production. Saliva is a natural tooth cleaner. When saliva production is low, plaque builds up more. Such people are given treatments that increase saliva production.
• Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth, reduces the growth of plaque-causing bacteria, and reduces the risk of tooth decay. Dentists can apply something like a highly concentrated fluoride gel to your teeth.
• Special toothpaste or antibacterial mouthwash: Sometimes your dentist may recommend using a strong toothpaste or antibacterial mouthwash.

What can we do at home to reduce plaque?

The best thing to do is to control plaque buildup. There are many simple things you can do at home to help. If you do these things correctly, you can also reduce the number of visits to the dentist.

Here are things you can do to reduce plaque:

• Floss daily: Use dental floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque that get stuck between your teeth. Some studies suggest that flossing before brushing removes more plaque.
• Brush your teeth twice a day: Take at least two minutes to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It's best to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and preferably after each meal.
• Chew sugar-free gum: If you can't brush your teeth right after eating or drinking, chew sugar-free gum. Choose a brand that is approved by a recognized dental association (such as the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance). This will increase saliva production and help clean your mouth.
• Choose healthy foods: Cut down on foods high in sugar and starch. Instead, eat nutritious foods, such as unsweetened yogurt, cheese, raw vegetables, and fruits.
• Visit the dentist regularly: Go for a dental check-up and cleaning at least twice a year (every 6 months). Maybe even more often, depending on your needs.
• Use a mouthwash: Rinse your mouth daily with an antiseptic mouthwash, either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed by a doctor.

What happens if plaque is not removed and dental advice

We now know what plaque is, how it forms, what harm it does, and how to control it. Remember, plaque is something that everyone has on their teeth. It's normal. But the problem is when we let it build up on our teeth and don't clean it properly.

It is generally recommended to see a dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. However, some people, for example those who develop tartar quickly or those with gum disease, may need to go more often. Your dentist will tell you what schedule is right for you.

"Now, do those hard, stone-like pieces of tartar ever come off?" you might be wondering. Yes, sometimes, especially if you brush your teeth frequently, small pieces of tartar can come off. But that won't completely remove the tartar. That requires a professional cleaning.

Things to remember in summary

Okay, so let's briefly remind you of some important points from what we've talked about:

• Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on everyone's teeth. This is normal.
• If plaque is not removed properly, it hardens and becomes tartar. Only a dentist can remove tartar.
• Plaque and tartar can cause serious problems such as cavities, gum disease, root infections, and eventually tooth loss .
• Good oral hygiene habits (brushing teeth twice daily, flossing, a healthy diet) and regular dental checkups can go a long way toward preventing these problems caused by plaque.

So, to protect your beautiful smile and maintain healthy teeth, it's very important to take care of these simple things. If you have any questions or doubts, don't be shy to talk to your dentist. They are here to help you!

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