You know the feeling – you wake up in the morning and it seems like your teeth are wearing little sweaters. When you run your tongue over your teeth, it feels like they have a layer of something on them that keeps them from feeling smooth. Your teeth aren't preparing for the chilly Manitoba winter – that layer is plaque, and it’s the buildup that forms on your teeth between brushing and flossing. 

You’ll probably notice it most in the morning, but plaque can also build up after eating food or drinking beverages with sugar in them such as juice, alcohol or sweetened coffee. For most of us, the feeling of having plaque on our teeth is a bit unpleasant and brushing and flossing is a great way to remove that buildup and feel fresh. But what exactly is plaque, anyway? 

Plaque begins to form immediately on the surface of a clean tooth with something called oral biofilm and acquired pellicle. The acquired pellicle acts as a kind of primer and makes it easier for other bacteria to stick to the surface of teeth, where it slowly accumulates until it’s removed again. 

Over time, the initial bacteria that sticks to teeth is replaced by more mature particles that stick together and creates an environment that makes it easier for them to thrive. For most people, the presence of plaque is obvious after 12 to 24 hours. If it’s not removed, it will start to irritate your gums and if left unattended, could cause gingivitis. 

Plaque buildup is a major player in virtually any oral health issues, including gum disease, cavities and infections, and that’s because plaque is made up of bacteria that are feeding off of the sugar and food particles in your teeth. Some of that bacteria also causes bad breath, which is an unpleasant symptom that could also be pointing to more serious issues. 

If all of that sounds a bit disturbing, don’t worry—plaque is easy to keep in check with regular brushing and flossing. Regular trips to the dentist are the best way to ensure that plaque isn’t causing any ongoing health issues, and visits are an opportunity to get a professional cleaning that gets into all the nooks and crannies you might be missing at home (like just under the gum line). 

Don’t worry, we’re here to help your smile feel fresh and healthy. If you're looking for more information or a new dentist, book an appointment at either of our Winnipeg locations.