A member asked:

If you have no cavities but do have plaque does it mean you do have good hygiene and healthy teeth?

4 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Dominick Curalli answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Depends: Everyone gets plaque on their teeth as we eat throughout the day. Good hygiene and healthy teeth require you to remove this plaque on a daily basis through brushing and flossing. If you do, then yes, you will have a healthy mouth. If you don't, the plaque can cause gingivitis, cavities, and lead to periodontal disease. Ask your dentist how healthy your mouth is when they do your exam.

Answered 12/11/2012

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No and No: Cavities but no plaque may imply that you did a great job brushing just before you had your check up. Also you could have decay from acids and sugar without visible plaque accumulation decayed teeth are not healthy. A healthy tooth is in tact. You can have healthy teeth with gingivitis or cavities with healthy gums one does not assure the other but usually we do see both together healthy or not.

Answered 1/21/2013

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Dr. Marguerite Myers answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Not really: Plaque accumulates on your teeth within 24 hours. Please brush, floss, and regularly visit your dentist. Plaque will eventually calcify into calculus which can progressively destroy your jaw bone, and gum tissue.

Answered 3/29/2013

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

You're lucky!: You've been lucky! plaque on your teeth and gums are bacterial colonies and will eventually lead to cavities and gum disease! if you have plaque on your teeth, you don't have good oral hygiene. A good test is to purchase disclosing tablets and after your brush & floss, disclose your teeth. All the plaque will be stained and easy to see! then brush and floss again working to remove the stain.

Answered 12/10/2013

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