What causes plaque? The causes of plaque on teeth!

Created: September 22, 2022 | Updated: December 19, 2022

Table of contents

- How plaque forms: a brief explanation

- The causes of plaque on teeth

- The cause of extreme dental plaque

- Does plaque cause bad breath?

- Tooth plaque causes dental problems

Plaque on your teeth is a nasty phenomenon. It makes your teeth rough and plaque on teeth also causes cavities, make your stinky coffee breath worse and cause dental problems and related oral misery. But what exactly causes plaque on teeth? And what causes plaque build-up? In this article, we take a closer look at these questions.

How plaque forms: a brief explanation

A major cause of plaque is tiny leftover food in the mouth, which, together with bacteria, carbohydrates and saliva, lead to dental plaque. What else causes plaque? It happens next. The growing bacteria in the mouth cause sugar (which comes from food and drink leftovers) to be converted into acids, which attack tooth enamel and weaken it. And this, in turn, can lead to what the industry calls dental erosion: the enamel is weakened, which can lead to dental problems such as cavities, deterioration of tooth roots and, in severe cases, teeth rotting and falling out. Plaque can also cause you to have inflamed gums.

Plaque is spread across all teeth. The tricky thing is that you can’t see plaque very well. This is because plaque has a similar colour to your teeth. However, you can feel it when you run your tongue over your teeth. Then the plaque spots feel a bit rough and sticky.

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The causes of plaque on teeth

What causes plaque on teeth? Before we address this question, it is important to note that plaque can never be completely prevented. However, you can address the main causes and culprits to reduce the amount of plaque. Poor tooth brushing, for example using a manual brush instead of an electric brush, is a major cause of plaque. Brush your teeth twice daily with an electric brush. We also recommend flossing your teeth at least once a day or using a toothpick to remove food particles and the like.

Furthermore, the eating and drinking pattern you are ‘used to’ can cause plaque. If you consume a lot of sugary products, you are significantly more likely to get plaque than if you are varied and moderate with food and drinks.

Furthermore, visit a dentist and/or dental hygienist at least once, but preferably twice a year, to have your teeth professionally cleaned by and specialist.

The cause of extreme dental plaque

What causes accumulation of plaque, or extreme dental plaque? Poor maintenance of your teeth. If plaque is not removed on time, it can lead to tartar and you are at high risk of serious dental problems, such as tooth decay and tooth loss.

Does plaque cause bad breath?

Yes, it can, but not necessarily. It is mainly the growing bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth that can cause unpleasant and pungent breath.