Question

What harm can dental plaque do?

Answer 1

• Enamel Erosion: Plaque bacteria turn food sugars into acids, which dissolve enamel and create cavities.
• Gingivitis: Toxins from plaque irritate the gums, causing swelling, redness, and bleeding.
• Periodontitis: Chronic gum inflammation eventually damages the jawbone, causing teeth to become loose.
• Tartar Hardening: Minerals in saliva cause plaque to calcify into hard tartar, which only a dentist can remove.
• Halitosis: Waste products from multiplying bacteria cause chronic bad breath.