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Dental plaque
Dental plaques are dense films that may collect over the surface of the teeth. The films are composed of bacteria that gather and attach to the tooth enamel over time.
Dr. Robert Kwok reviewed this
35 year experience in Pediatrics
How long it usually lasts:
How common it is:
Baby 0-2 | Very common | ||||
Preteen 6-13 | Very common | ||||
Teenager 14-18 | Very common | ||||
Young adult 19-40 | Very common | ||||
Middle-aged adult 41-60 | Very common |
How it can usually be treated?
How is it usually diagnosed?
Body locations
Symptoms
Medications
Medical devices
Other treatments
Related questions
A 36-year old asked:
What's dental plaque made of?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
A 42-year old asked:
How do you help presumed dental plaque?
3 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
How do I eliminate dental plaque, what to do?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A 32-year old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: Dental plaque?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 33-year old asked:
What are the symptoms of dental plaque and how can I address them?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 49-year old asked:
How do dental plaque and tartar differ?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A 31-year old asked:
Can you tell me what scaling (removal of dental plaque) involve?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
What do dentists do to remove dental plaque?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 21-year old male asked:
What is the name of the bacteria that causes dental plaque?
4 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 32-year old asked:
What should an alternative health practitioner want with dental plaque?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
I was just wondering how and why does dental plaque form on human teeth?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old asked:
Does a tongue ring lead to more dental plaque?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old asked:
Expert opinions? What does a good job of getting rid of hard to reach dental plaque?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 20-year old male asked:
I swallow dental plaque now this plaque blocks my heart?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 32-year old asked:
Does chewing gum after eating help to buildup of dental plaque?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 44-year old asked:
Does swallowing dental plaque causes clotting and heart disease?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
Does 'swallowing' dental plaque result in heart attack or other heart issues?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
A 17-year old female asked:
Dose plax anti plaque dental rinse help reduce tartar?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
Tips cleaning plaque from my front bottom teeth. Somebody with experience or dental knowledge please help me?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 43-year old asked:
How are plaque, calculus and dental caries different?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
A 61-year old male asked:
Is all dental floss the same or are some better at removing the days food particles to prevent plaque/tartar build up?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 68-year old male asked:
Dental: I just had my quarterly periodontal cleaning yesterday. I eat some sugar free cookies during the daytime. Do not want that first build up of plaque that won't come off with flossing. How often should I floss and when mainly due to snacks?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
I'm wondering what is the difference between plaque, calculus and dental caries?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old female asked:
Is streptococcus pneumoniae the specific germ that would be found in the blood if a dental issue such as bad plaque or cracked tooth spread?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 60-year old male asked:
Is there a popular prescription oral rinse that helps to control plaque build up after dental gum grafting? Can a steroid used to decrease swelling?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 92-year old asked:
Mom always had great dental hygiene. Brushed over 5min twice daily w/ braun. Now 92 in nursing home and visible plaque along gumlines. Need solutions?
5 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in
A 24-year old female asked:
Why do my gums get irritated easily? I brush 2x a day, floss at night, no bleeding, have no plaque or recession bcs of regular dental cleaning, they still get irritated around the gum line, esp after flossing. Am i doing it wrong? brushing too hard?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old male asked:
Why do white plaque stick in teeth?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 30-year old asked:
Do your teeth heal from a plaque-induced hole?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
What is plaque and why is it bad for your teeth?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
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