What Happens When Plaque Isn’t Removed

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. While it may seem harmless, plaque can cause serious dental problems when it isn’t removed regularly. Understanding what plaque does—and why daily oral care matters—can help you protect your smile for the long term. How Plaque Builds Up Plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from food and drinks. These bacteria produce acids that cling to tooth surfaces and along the gumline. If it isn’t removed through proper brushing and flossing, it quickly hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed at home