What does a dental plaque consist of?

A dental plaque consists of a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. This biofilm develops when bacteria adhere to the tooth surface, often aided by saliva. The bacteria in the plaque can multiply rapidly and are involved in the process of tooth decay and gum disease. Over time, if plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and requires professional cleaning.

Understanding that plaque is primarily a biological substance helps highlight its role in oral health. It is different from other options; for instance, hardened deposits formed from saliva's minerals is tartar rather than plaque, while toothpaste residue and food particles are external substances that do not reflect the composition of dental plaque itself.