Dental Plaque: What It Is, What It Consists Of, and Why It Appears

You notice a layer along the gumline and can't tell whether it's plaque or already tartar. Let's calmly break down what this film is, what it consists of, and why it returns a couple of hours after brushing.

Dental plaque: what it is

Dental plaque is an accumulation of bacteria in the form of a film on the teeth. It also forms in a healthy person. The film begins to appear as early as 1–2 hours after brushing, and after a few hours the plaque becomes thick and dense.

Dental plaque bacteria: what it consists of

The plaque contains aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. For the development of caries, the streptococcus S. mutans is the most significant. Bacteria release acid, and in the first hours it is neutralized by saliva.

The stable structure of plaque is provided by a sticky matrix — a biofilm that protects the bacteria within it from the action of antibiotics and other medications.

Plaque and tartar: what happens next

Saliva stops penetrating the dense plaque, and the acid begins to dissolve the enamel. Over time this leads to exposure of the dentin and the development of caries, and periodontitis may also develop.

Over time, tartar may form on the dense plaque. Another nuance: plaque also forms on the surface of fillings, and the composition of plaque on the teeth of the upper and lower jaws differs.

What influences plaque formation

Plaque formation is influenced by the reaction of the environment (pH), dietary habits, and oral hygiene.

The composition of the film changes over time. If the teeth were cleaned several hours ago, there are few bacteria — tens of thousands per 1 g of substance, and they are predominantly aerobic. If several days have passed, there are up to hundreds of billions, and they are mostly anaerobic.

Plaque on the gums and teeth: how it can be dangerous

Acid dissolves the enamel — this is how caries begins. At first it may cause no symptoms, then a hole appears in the tooth, pain, sharp pain with hot, cold, or sweet foods, white, brown, or black spots on the tooth. Sometimes the tooth or gum becomes infected, and a painful accumulation of pus forms — a dental abscess.

If the gums are painful, swollen, or bleed when brushing, this is a reason to see a dentist. Over time, plaque can also lead to periodontitis.

When plaque is a reason to see a dentist

• the tooth hurts or there is sharp pain when eating and drinking;
• the gums are painful, swollen, or bleed when brushing;
• white, brown, or black spots have appeared on the tooth;
• you have not had a check-up for 2 years, or if you are under 18 — for 1 year.

At the appointment, the doctor examines the teeth and gums, assesses the plaque, the condition of the enamel and fillings. Examinations may include a routine dental check-up and, if necessary, a panoramic X-ray. This is diagnosis, not treatment: what exactly to do next is decided by the doctor based on the picture in the mouth.

Plaque by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if there are signs of a life-threatening condition, such as severe weakness, loss of consciousness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

This material is for reference: it helps to understand what is happening, but does not replace a doctor's consultation — the final answers are given by the dentist at the chair.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer