Plaque on teeth: causes and how to get rid of it?

A charming smile is impossible without healthy and perfectly white teeth, so a lot of time is devoted to such a problem as plaque on teeth. Incorrectly organized oral hygiene leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor and a slimy yellowish plaque on the teeth, gums and tongue.

Plaque on teeth is a mass of food debris, particles of the oral mucosa, as well as useful (helping the digestion process) bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms. If the first signs of plaque are not removed in time, then after some time it will become compacted and hardened, and the result will be tartar, which can be removed using modern dental methods.

Dental plaque is of soft and hard types, and depending on the color, there are shades of white, yellow, brown, black and green. Regardless of the color, the film on the teeth consists of 80-85% water with an admixture of fluorides, calcium and phosphates of inorganic nature.

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Causes of plaque on teeth

An interesting fact is that plaque on teeth is formed not only in adulthood, increasing in direct proportion to the number of bad habits, but is also no less common in childhood, adolescence and is even found in infants.

Dentists identify the following causes of plaque on teeth:

• improper, insufficient oral hygiene or lack thereof is the main reason for plaque formation. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, paying special attention to the inner surface of the teeth and hard-to-reach places. The key to success is a properly selected toothbrush and toothpaste;
• getting food particles between the teeth and in the gum area – using dental floss will help prevent food particles from rotting (resulting in caries) and will protect against plaque in the interdental space;
• eating soft foods - contributes to the formation of plaque in children, hard foods themselves participate in the self-cleaning of teeth;
• Involvement of only one side of the jaw in the chewing process does not ensure natural cleaning of the “lazy” side;
• malocclusion, dental and gum diseases are factors that increase the risk of plaque formation;
• smoking – this bad habit causes the formation of an indelible resinous film on the teeth, gums and mucous membranes, to which all food debris and pathogenic flora cling;
• digestive problems and endocrine disorders – lead to an imbalance in the oral cavity;
• allergic reactions and metabolic disorders - for example, when the water-salt and pH balance of saliva changes, its disinfectant ability is disrupted;
• hormonal changes - the consequence is the problem of green plaque, which occurs more often during adolescence.

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Why does plaque form on teeth?

The specifics of the modern lifestyle and the presence of various addictions largely explain why plaque appears on teeth. Eating food and drinks with dyes, abusing smoking and alcohol, an endless love for invigorating coffee and strong tea - all this deprives our teeth of their natural whiteness and attractiveness. Coloring agents attach to plaque accumulations, hardening and forming tartar. The lack of solid food in the form of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber prevents the natural cleaning of teeth.

Naturally, negative habits and food preferences are not the only reasons for the formation of dental plaque. Diseases of internal organs and systems, taking antibiotics, working in hazardous industries (metallurgical plants) also provoke plaque on teeth. For example, the presence of intestinal dysbacteriosis is fraught with the occurrence of dark plaque even in childhood. It is possible to get rid of a fungal infection in the oral cavity only by normalizing the intestinal microflora.

Factors influencing the formation and distribution of plaque:

• quality characteristics of food;
• anatomy and morphology of the tooth surface;
• properties of saliva;
• the amount of fermentable carbohydrates consumed;
• the condition of the gums and the presence of inflammatory processes;
• features of motor activity of the tongue, lips, jaws during chewing and talking.

Plaque between teeth

It is possible to avoid caries, gum inflammation, and periodontosis by regularly cleaning the space between teeth. The maximum accumulation of sticky, white deposits, called alba in dentistry (bacteria and proteins from saliva), occurs in the interdental space.

Floss or dental floss allows you to remove plaque between your teeth on your own. Daily use of a simple device, especially if your teeth are close to each other, will save you from a lot of problems with your oral health. Of course, a toothbrush and rinses are very important, but only dental floss can effectively clean the area below the gum line. And the variety of floss allows you to make the procedure comfortable and fast. If your teeth are very close together, it is better to use flat dental floss. With variable interdental space, the ideal floss is “superfloss”, which stretches out, adjusting to a narrow gap, and fluffs up where the teeth are wider. An alternative to dental floss that removes plaque between teeth is a special water syringe.

Dark plaque on teeth

The dark film on the enamel gets its color from the pigment that comes with nicotine resin from smokers, "coloring" food products and drinks. Dark plaque on the teeth is a consequence of metabolic disorders, problems with the exchange of phosphorus, vitamin D and calcium. Saliva performs a protective, cleansing, disinfecting function. Insufficient salivation serves as an impetus for the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, which in turn provokes the formation of plaque.

A common phenomenon in children is dark plaque on teeth of gray shades, which often indicates dental hypoplasia or dysbacteriosis. It is impossible to cope with the problem at home (active cleaning contributes to the aggravation of the process), the help of a specialist and specific therapy are required. Adult patients may be recommended dental prosthetics with veneers (ceramic plastics), which cover defects from the facade of the front teeth.

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Black plaque on teeth

The detection of black plaque in children indicates digestive disorders or dysbacteriosis, worm infestation or the presence of fungal microflora in the oral cavity.

Black plaque on teeth in adulthood indicates a harmful addiction to cigarettes, abuse of coffee, alcohol. In addition to bad habits, staining of teeth with a black film is facilitated by:

• long-term use of antibiotics (for example, using tetracycline for two or more weeks);
• severe course of diseases – liver damage, dysfunction of the spleen, viral infections, abscesses, biliary dyskinesia, etc.;
• changes in the acid-base balance in the oral cavity;
• harmful working conditions (metalworking shops, metalworking assembly areas, etc.);
• addiction;
• the presence of copper items in the mouth;
• irregular bowel movements and signs of intoxication of the body;
• metabolic and endocrine diseases (thyroid gland, diabetes);
• allergic reactions;
• parasitic diseases (giardiasis/toxoplasmosis);
• chemotherapy;
• rare visits to the dentist.

It should be noted that it is possible to eliminate black pigment on teeth by establishing the root cause of the aesthetic defect and appropriate treatment of the identified pathology. Black plaque on teeth does not respond to whitening toothpastes, so it is better not to waste time and money, but to immediately seek help from a professional.

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Yellow plaque on teeth

Each person's teeth have their own natural pigment, so the natural color of your teeth can be shades of yellow. Yellow enamel indicates oversaturation with minerals (for example, in people who drink only mineral water or live in a region where tap water is rich in mineral salts and iron). In this case, the distinctive feature of the enamel is its hardness, so it is impossible to whiten it without harming the teeth. Yellow plaque on the teeth can be a hereditary factor. If the parents' teeth are yellow, then the children are likely to have a similar shade.

A type of soft plaque is yellow plaque on teeth, which most often forms at the roots of the teeth for the following reasons:

• bad habits (cigarettes, caffeinated drinks, etc.) – the initial stage of enamel staining, which is easily bleached. It is interesting that plaque appears even faster in hookah lovers, and the cigarette filter still absorbs some of the resins;
• excessive consumption of sugar and sugar-containing products – those with a sweet tooth should be more careful and visit the dentist regularly;
• frequent changes in diets – teeth are the first to react to changes in taste preferences and the lack of a balanced diet, which leads to the appearance of plaque;
• trauma – yellowing of a tooth as a result of a blow, for example, indicates damage to the pulp area;
• failure to comply with hygiene rules;
• age-related changes;
• wearing braces without proper care (stuck food constantly comes into contact with the enamel, the brace system itself is made of low-quality materials).

White plaque on teeth

The most common is white plaque on teeth. Soft deposits appear in all people, accumulating during the day or forming during the night. Being a mixture of food debris, particles of oral mucosa and bacteria, plaque does not cause harm to health and is easily removed during brushing.

In cases of insufficient or improper hygienic care, such plaque on the teeth goes into the hardening stage, forming tartar. A large number of pathogenic organisms lead to the development of caries and the occurrence of an unpleasant odor from the mouth.

The causes of white deposits on enamel can be:

• lack of vitamins;
• lack of a balanced diet;
• consumption of predominantly soft foods (especially in childhood);
• Incorrect oral hygiene.

If you cannot cope with white plaque on your teeth on your own, it is better to consult a dentist who will recommend effective care for your specific case.

Brown plaque on teeth

A companion of smokers, coffee lovers and strong tea drinkers is brown plaque on teeth. The coloring components of drinks and nicotine resin form a kind of film that is difficult to clean through regular hygiene. Removing brown plaque is only possible by visiting a dentist.

Metabolic disorders that cause the production of iron in saliva, where in turn brown salt is produced from food, also lead to the formation of brown deposits.

Brown enamel is formed when:

• rinsing your mouth with a solution of potassium permanganate;
• long-term exposure of the body to chlorinated water and iodine solution;
• exposure to mercury/lead vapor;
• inhalation of nickel/manganese/iron vapors;
• detection of acid necrosis;
• the occurrence of a Rhesus conflict in a pregnant woman (the baby's enamel may also have a brown tint due to the destruction of red blood cells).

Brown plaque on teeth is difficult to remove on your own. In addition to cosmetic cleaning, it is important to establish and eliminate the true cause of the external defect.

Plaque after tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a rather traumatic manipulation. The healing process of the resulting socket occurs with the formation of a blood clot, which protects the wound surface from infection. White plaque after tooth extraction of a fibrous nature indicates that the gum tissue was damaged and necrosis developed. Such plaque is an absolutely natural reaction of the body, under it there is a healing process and the production of new cells.

It is not the white plaque on the teeth that should alert you, but the appearance of pain syndrome and the first signs of suppuration. Such symptoms may indicate alveolitis (inflammation of the tooth socket). During the consultation, the dentist will carry out disinfection using special solutions that remove purulent deposits. If necessary, the doctor will recommend drug therapy for the fastest possible restoration of the body's defenses and a gentle diet that excludes hot, spicy and coarse food.

Plaque on teeth from smoking

One of the negative effects of smoking is dental plaque with specific pigmentation of the enamel. The plaque of a smoker is distinguished by dark brown or black shades, it cannot be removed by regular brushing with a toothbrush.

Dark plaque on teeth from smoking is formed by tobacco abuse, as a result of nicotine resin, ammonia and phenol components, as well as tar settling on the enamel. Tobacco smoke with harmful compounds forms a sticky film, to which food particles, bacteria, and dead cells of the oral mucosa “stick”. Accumulating, the soft mass hardens and transforms into tartar. Initially, the necks of the teeth and areas that do not participate in the process of chewing food are affected. In the absence of sufficient hygiene, the plaque becomes more pronounced and dirty.

Symptoms of smoker's plaque are visually evident:

• periodontal tissue without signs of inflammation;
• dark brown pigment is located in the cervical region;
• there is a putrid smell;
• The gums are pale pink and moderately moist.

Plaque on teeth from smoking requires mandatory professional cleaning, as it can cause gum and dental diseases, as well as bad breath.

Orange plaque on teeth

Green and orange plaque on teeth caused by fungi appears mainly in childhood and adolescence. Fungal infection produces a coloring pigment, in the case of green plaque - chlorophyll, and in the case of orange plaque - chromogenic bacteria. Treatment of such pathology is carried out by a dentist and pediatrician.

A reddish coating indicates a hereditary disease - porphyria, associated with a disorder of soft tissue pigmentation. A common complication of the disease is enamel staining red. A similar picture is observed with a tooth injury with hemorrhage and rupture of the pulp sac.

Orange plaque on teeth is a thin line located in the cervical part of the dental crowns, most often on the incisors. The shade varies from yellowish to brick-red. The pigment appears as a result of external factors:

• food with colorings (red wines, coffee, tea, etc.);
• taking medications;
• mouth rinses with solutions of ethacridine, potassium permanganate and chlorhexidine.

Coffee stains on teeth

The opportunity to perk up with strong coffee comes at the cost of white teeth. The appearance of yellow, brown and black plaque is due to the presence of coloring pigment in the favorite morning drink. If cigarette smoke is added to the number of coffee mugs, the negative result will quickly manifest itself in the form of a persistent dark film on the tooth enamel.

It is possible to completely remove coffee plaque from teeth in a dental office. In order to prevent the formation of an aesthetic defect, it is recommended:

• reduce the amount of coffee you consume;
• eat more foods containing fiber (vegetables, fruits);
• visit your dentist regularly;
• use professional whitening pastes (for example, salt ones);
• use dental floss and mouthwash.

The adverse effects of coffee plaque in case of poor hygiene are unpleasant odor, hardening of the film and formation of tartar. In this case, special cleaning methods are indispensable.

Tartar and plaque are dangerous bacteria. Living microorganisms secrete acid, which weakens the enamel of the tooth, which in turn contributes to the appearance of caries.

Plaque on a child's teeth

White plaque on a child's teeth is considered the most common. Soft deposits form during sleep and consist of food debris, bacteria, and epithelial particles. In this case, regular brushing with a toothbrush is enough to maintain oral hygiene.

The color of yellow and brown plaque indicates the possibility of caries, the cause of which is associated with sucking on a pacifier and drinking sweet drinks at night. Parents need to review the feeding regimen and pay attention to oral care.

Green, yellow, brown plaque on a baby's teeth can be of fungal origin. Green film is typical for children under three years old, it has a destructive effect on the pellicle (the protective shell of the tooth), so you cannot do without consulting a dentist. Dark or black plaque is formed as a result of dysbacteriosis. A pediatrician treats this pathology.

Preventive measures:

• make sure that the air in the nursery is not dry;
• teach your 3-year-old child to brush his teeth with toothpaste correctly;
• the child should receive sufficient amount of water;
• During the day, it is useful for the baby to gnaw on hard vegetables or fruits;
• the nasal passages should be provided with normal breathing;
• do not give your child milk or juice at night;
• wean off pacifiers and bottles in a timely manner - the main causes of "bottle caries" (has a brown tint and develops on the 4-6 teeth in the front, characterized by rapid tooth decay).

Plaque on baby teeth

The problem of plaque on baby teeth arises due to the composition of children's saliva, which has a negative effect on enamel. Plaque on baby teeth sometimes appears due to damage to the rudiments of teeth during intrauterine development. The presence of colored deposits on the enamel may indicate various diseases of the body, and may also be a hereditary factor. The appearance of plaque is a reason to contact a pediatric dentist.

In clinical practice, complications of baby teeth are common:

• pulpitis - pathogenic microorganisms affect the dental pulp (veins, nerves, arteries). In the case of baby teeth (the pulp of babies is not so sensitive), pathologies may be asymptomatic, but microorganisms can penetrate deep into the tooth root, causing decay and gangrene;
• caries - softening of enamel tissue. It is necessary to treat caries of baby teeth, since bacteria cause a decrease in the body's defenses, contribute to the development of ENT diseases;
• periodontitis – inflammation of the bone, accompanied by severe pain, fever, and swelling of the cheek.

Plaque on babies' teeth serves as a haven for microorganisms that lead to caries and its serious consequences. Caries in baby teeth should be treated, rather than having the damaged tooth removed. Early tooth extraction leads to malocclusion problems.

In addition to filling baby teeth, dentists use the silvering technique, which is relevant in cases of "bottle caries", which often leads to blackening of the tooth enamel. In case of superficial caries, remineralizing treatment with solutions of mineral components is used.

What to do if plaque appears on your teeth?

Plaque on teeth is a reason to get rid of bad habits. However, not many of us are able to quit smoking, drinking alcohol (red wine), reviewing our daily diet or giving up coffee.

What to do if plaque appears on your teeth? First, go to a dentist for a consultation. After all, everything is individual, and only a specialist can help you properly deal with a cosmetic defect. Second, regularly eat vegetables and fruits rich in fiber. Even if natural cleaning does not help to cope with plaque, it will not harm the body, on the contrary, it will only provide a lot of vitamins. Third, do not drink sweet soda and rinse your mouth (even just with water) after each meal. To activate salivation, use sugar-free chewing gum. Fourth, brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Learn to carefully care for the interdental space using the right dental floss. Do not forget to remove plaque from your tongue, otherwise all efforts to maintain hygiene will be in vain.

How to get rid of plaque on teeth?

Dentists all over the world warn against home enamel whitening, which can be dangerous for dental health. Whitening pastes can help partially eliminate the aesthetic defect. The effectiveness of cleaning will depend on the shade of plaque, the condition of the enamel and gums, individual characteristics of the body and the usual diet. The choice of toothpaste is often made by trial and error.

How to get rid of plaque on teeth at home? The development of Russian scientists will come to the rescue - the whitening paste "Mexidol Dent" (based on: calcium citrate and Mexidol), which has the following advantages:

• gently and thoroughly removes plaque from teeth thanks to the plant component papain;
• color restoration occurs without damaging the enamel;
• the paste prevents plaque from re-accumulating;
• stabilizes the acid-base balance;
• does not contain fluoride;
• without chlorhexidine, which kills pathogenic and healthy microflora of the oral cavity, thereby reducing immunity.

Hardware dental techniques, such as ultrasound, can also help remove plaque.

Cleaning teeth from plaque

In order to thoroughly clean your teeth from various deposits, you must follow the following recommendations from dentists:

• Pay special attention to the inner surface of the front teeth, position the brush vertically and move it from top to bottom;
• the correct position of the toothbrush in relation to the gum line is an angle of 45 degrees. When brushing the upper teeth, the brush movement should be from bottom to top, and the lower teeth - from top to bottom;
• cover no more than two teeth;
• To avoid injury to the gums, do not apply excessive force;
• When working with the outer, inner and chewing surfaces, make sure that the up and down movements are short (approximately half a tooth).

Cleaning your teeth from plaque involves using fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and cleaning your tongue. The size of your toothbrush should allow you to reach your wisdom teeth, and its bristles should be soft with rounded ends. Change your brushes every three months, regardless of how worn they are. To remove plaque from your tongue, you can buy a special brush, scraper, or use a regular spoon. Dental floss allows you to perfectly clean the surface between your teeth and above the gum line. Choose flat (for closely spaced teeth), round (for widely spaced teeth), or “superfloss” (adapts to different interdental spaces). Decide for yourself whether you prefer floss with or without wax. If your fingers do not obey because of arthritis, use spools or floss holders, which are widely sold in pharmacies.

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Removing plaque from teeth with ultrasound

Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is a painless professional procedure that returns the enamel to its white color. Whitening devices are called scalers. Their operating principle is based on the operation of a motor-generator that produces and transmits ultrasonic vibrations to a special tip with a frequency of approximately 100 million movements/minute. The vibration wave destroys hard dental deposits.

Ultrasonic plaque removal is accompanied by a continuous supply of water (sometimes antiseptic) through the tip to cool the device itself and the tooth surface, wash away plaque and prevent it from getting into periodontal pockets. The procedure ends with polishing to eliminate microscopic roughness. This is done with special pastes and a brush.

Ultrasonic cleaning parameters (frequency and amplitude) are selected individually depending on the degree of contamination. It is recommended to conduct therapy at least 1-2 times a year. Disadvantages of ultrasonic cleaning include pain in patients with a low sensitivity threshold and when treating subgingival deposits. Local anesthesia can be used if desired.

Ultrasonic cleaning does not affect plaque on teeth:

• in childhood;
• for frequent colds;
• existing cardiovascular problems and the presence of a pacemaker;
• in pregnant and lactating mothers;
• with dental implants;
• in case of diseases transmitted by contact and blood transfusion.

Removing plaque from teeth at home

It is possible to increase the effectiveness of the fight against plaque on teeth by using an electric toothbrush, which removes plaque through vibration.

If you notice increased dryness in your mouth, it is better to take preventive measures in time: use sugar-free chewing gum, special lozenges for active saliva secretion, drink water more often in small sips. Being a natural disinfectant, saliva helps to cope with pathogenic microflora, preventing the formation of dental plaque. Lack of salivation can be caused by taking medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, etc.), the result of recent therapy (radiation for cancer) and other diseases.

Removing plaque from teeth at home:

• mouthwashes - "Peridex" (available by prescription, based on a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution) and "Listerine" (available over the counter, an alcohol composition of menthol, eucalyptus and thyme oils);
• tooth polishing compound - mix a teaspoon of baking soda with hydrogen peroxide until a paste-like consistency is formed. Treat the teeth with this product using a cotton swab. Do not use it often, so as not to damage the enamel;
• tincture of burdock root and bean peel - 1 tbsp. of crushed raw materials is poured with a glass of boiling water and kept for half a day. Drink three times a day, preheating;
• Plaque on teeth is removed with eggplant ash, which is used to brush teeth at least twice a day using a finger. Be careful, as the product can corrode gums.