{"id":53,"date":"2024-12-19T21:09:35","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T21:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drlauragramse.com\/blog\/?p=53"},"modified":"2025-01-22T21:17:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T21:17:06","slug":"what-is-dental-plaque","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drlauragramse.com\/blog\/2024\/12\/19\/what-is-dental-plaque\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Dental Plaque?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve been to the dentist recently, or have ever bought a tube of toothpaste, you\u2019ve probably at least heard the word plaque before. But many people don\u2019t know what this substance is, or why it\u2019s so bad for their teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know about dental plaque, and how you can help protect your smile from accumulating it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Plaque?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental plaque is a yellow or whitish film that is made of dangerous oral bacteria. It accumulates on your teeth, usually along the gum line, and makes them look yellow or discolored. It can also cause cavities and gum disease, too!  Have you ever noticed how white they look after you brush your teeth? That\u2019s because you\u2019ve just removed the plaque that was covering them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Tartar Form?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you are an excellent brusher and flosser, plaque can easily accumulate with time, solidifying on your teeth. This hardened plaque is known as tartar. Caring for your oral hygiene at home is the easiest way to reduce the amount of tartar that forms on your smile but removing it once there is much harder. That\u2019s what your hygienist scrapes off when they are cleaning your teeth<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent Plaque and Tartar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Preventing the accumulation of plaque and tartar is easier than you might think. Here are a few care steps to help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n