Plaque is a sticky coating that is made up of bacteria, acid, food, and saliva. Plaque forms on the surface of the teeth. Dental plaque can harden and form a substance called calculus on the teeth.

Everyone develops dental plaque. Plaque can damage the enamel on the surface of the teeth, leading to dental caries, gingivitis, and dental abscess.

Regular brushing and flossing reduces that chance that plaque will damage the tooth enamel.