Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on the teeth. It hangs onto bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and bad breath. Learning how to take care of your teeth can help you remove and prevent plaque.

Scanning electron microscope image of wormlike structures 'growing' from dental tubules deep inside a molar. Image courtesy of University of Maryland, Baltimore. Inside a human tooth, more than 50,000 ...

Jenna Demmer is a writer and editor that specializes in health. She has covered many topics including infectious diseases, women's health, mental health, sleep, and more. She has written for more than ...

Dental plaque is a complex microbial biofilm, not just food debris. The shift from oral health to disease is caused by changes in the balance of plaque’s microbial community, not just the presence of ...

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental health problems in children and adults. You can prevent and reverse tooth decay if you catch it early. ‌Teeth have a protective coating on their surface ...

A buildup of dental plaque breaks down tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health conditions. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate ...

Both plaque and tartar increase the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and other dental conditions. Knowing how to distinguish between plaque and tartar can help identify the warning signs of dental health ...

If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Cavities are holes that develop on teeth as a result of decay. They can cause symptoms including ...

Certain types of food wear down your teeth. The longer these foods stick to the surface of your teeth, the more acidic your mouth will become, leading to the formation of cavities. When this happens, ...

Tooth decay can appear differently depending on the stage of severity. You may experience more symptoms, including pain and swollen lymph nodes, at later stages. Tooth decay is damage that occurs to ...