What is dental plaque?
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.

What are the symptoms of dental plaque?
Most people with dental plaque have no symptoms until they develop gingivitis. Symptoms that occur with dental plaque include dental pain, drainage from the gums, pus where the tooth meets the gum, red or swollen gums, rotting teeth, bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, facial pain, facial swelling, and fever.

How does the doctor treat dental plaque?
Regular brushing and flossing reduces that chance that plaque will damage the tooth enamel. Professional dental cleanings should be performed annually.