How is plaque related to cavities?
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American Dental Association answered:Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and after many such attacks, the enamel can break down and a cavity forms.
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Tooth decay causes cavities, which develop over time. Plaque bacteria on your teeth convert sugars and starches from food and drinks into acids. These plaque acids dissolve minerals from the hard enamel of your teeth, which if untreated can progress to become a cavity. As an untreated cavity progresses it can get to the dentin, which is the next softer covering of the teeth and eventually into the inner part of the tooth and the pulp. If this occurs, you can experience serious toothache and infection.Tooth decay causes cavities, which develop over time. Plaque bacteria on your teeth convert sugars and starches from food and drinks into acids. These plaque acids dissolve minerals from the hard enamel of your teeth, which if untreated can... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Plaque is the bacteria in your mouth that stick to your teeth. The plaque digest the sugars in the foods that you eat and produce acids. The acids eat into the teeth causing cavities. Keeping the plaque off of your teeth with proper brushing and flossing can help prevent cavities.Plaque is the bacteria in your mouth that stick to your teeth. The plaque digest the sugars in the foods that you eat and produce acids. The acids eat into the teeth causing cavities. Keeping the plaque off of your teeth with proper brushing and... More
