Dental plaque is probably the most common cause of gum disease gingivitis and tooth loss in the entire world. Plaque accounts for a large percentage of all dental visits.

What is dental plaque?
Plaque is an invisible, thin coating of bacteria on the teeth most notably at the gum line. You can feel a coarse layer on your teeth after having not brushed for a few hours. The bacteria thrives on sugars left on the teeth after eating sugary foods, the bacteria then produces acid which erodes enamel. Saliva cannot penetrate the layer of plaque to get to teh acid to neutralise it.

How do I prevent plaque buildup?
There are many ways to help reduce plaque buildup but there will always be some buildup so visiting the dentist twice a year for a checkup and dental cleaning is vital to insure healthy teeth. Brushing your teeth with a soft brush twice a day is extremely important, as if flossing once a day. Brushing after each meal is ideal and brushing after having eating anything really sweet is perfect, but not everyone carries a toothbrush in their pocket which makes this a little difficult.

Does an electric toothbrush remove plaque?
Whilst it doesn't replace visiting the dentist it however does remove more plaque buildup than just using a manual toothbrush.

What is Tartar?
Dental tartar is simply plaque buildup that has been left and got to a point where it has hardened and now becomes a visible coating above the gum line. If you find this is your case you need to visit your dentist for a cleaning.