Question

What is dental plaque ? What harm can it do ? How can the formation of plaque be prevented ?

Answer 1

• If the teeth are not cleaned regularly they become covered with sticky yellowish layer of food particles and bacteria cells called ‘dental plaque’.
• Since plaque covers the teeth forming a layer over them, the alkaline saliva cannot reach the tooth surface to neutralise the acid formed by bacteria and hence tooth decay sets in.
• Brushing the teeth regularly, after eating food, removes the plaque before bacteria produces acids