What makes plaque sticky

How to Remove Plaque from Teeth Fighting plaque is the most critical factor in protecting and preserving your teeth, and gums, for a life-time. Print Share. Download PDF. Optional: Customize this document for your patients. Line 2: Address, Specialty, or Slogan This is a mandatory field. Your session is about to expire. Do you want to continue logged in? Cancel Continue. Many scientists believe bacteria excrete this substance as a biological mechanism to help them stay attached to teeth for longer so that they can get more food.

While brushing your teeth removes some of the bacteria in your mouth, it can't remove plaque. This is because of how sticky it is. How to Remove Plaque You may be wondering how to remove plaque since it's so sticky.

While brushing regularly can't remove plaque, a visit to our office can. The reason we offer dental cleanings is to remove the built up plaque that survives after brushing at home. During a dental cleaning, we use a slightly abrasive tool to remove the plaque from your teeth. Compared to a toothbrush, this tool is more aggressive. Because tartar buildup on teeth is strongly bonded to the tooth enamel, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

You have a greater risk of developing tartar with braces, dry mouth, crowded teeth, smoking and aging. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup. For many, these deposits build up faster with age. When saliva, food, and fluids combine in your mouth they produce an environment that allows the bacteria to grow and deposit which collect on teeth and gums and especially where the teeth and gums meet.

Common foods that contribute to plaque formation and growth include those containing carbohydrates, or simple sugars, such as sucrose and starches, found in soft drinks and candy.

Eating foods high in sugar like cakes, sweets, and fruit can cause an increase in plaque bacteria. Plaque bacteria can lead to gingivitis, caries and advanced gum disease, so it is important to take steps for treatment and prevention.

Plaque hides between teeth and under the gum line. Certain foods, especially carbohydrates foods containing sugars or starches , are big contributors to plaque growth such as milk, soft drinks, cake, and candy.