Dental Plaque Biofilm

What does your Dentist want you to know?

When it comes to your oral health, there’s one sneaky culprit that your dentist is always on the lookout for and that is dental plaque biofilm.

You might have heard your dentist or hygienist mention “plaque” before, but did you know that it’s a living, growing community of bacteria? Yes, it’s more than just something you can brush away. Here’s a breakdown of the things to know about dental plaque biofilm and how to keep it from causing you trouble.

What is Dental Plaque Biofilm?

Dental plaque biofilm is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s soft, colourless (at first), and loves to hide along your gum line, between your teeth, and even on your tongue. But what many people don’t realise is that dental plaque isn’t just random bacteria floating around, it’s a biofilm, which means the bacteria are all working together. It produces protective layers, making it harder to remove. That’s why your dentist is always stressing about the importance of brushing twice daily because once biofilm matures, it becomes a bigger threat.

Why is Dental Plaque Biofilm such an issue?

If left untreated, dental plaque biofilm can cause serious oral health issues like;

Tooth Decay

Bacteria feed on sugars and release acids that eat away at enamel.

Gum Disease

The dental plaque biofilm irritates your gums, leading to inflammation and, if untreated, a more serious gum disease called periodontitis.

Bad Breath

Plaque biofilm undisturbed for long periods can release foul-smelling gases.

Tarter Build-up

If the dental plaque biofilm isn’t removed, it may harden into tarter, which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

How to keep Dental Plaque Biofilm at bay?

The good news is that you can stop it in it’s tracks with some simple, consistent habits.

Brush Twice Daily

Use a soft-bristled, nylon toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least two minutes brushing and don’t forget the gum line!

Inter-Dental Cleaning

This is essential because your toothbrush can’t always reach between your teeth. Interdental brushes or dental floss are ideal for this task.

Watch your Diet

Sugary snacks and drinks fuel bacteria. Try to limit sweets and fizzy drinks, and rinse with water after eating.

Visit your Dentist

Visiting at least once a year for a full oral health examination is important. More frequent visits may be recommended if you are higher risk for dental disease or have a health condition that could be affected by your oral health.