What lives in this coating?
Microorganisms form an adherent community on tooth surfaces. Not all are harmful; the composition and conditions in the mouth matter.
← All explanationsPlaque / biofilm
What is the soft coating on teeth?
Plaque is a soft, sticky deposit on teeth. Microorganisms live in it within a shared protective layer. This biofilm continually forms again. Its composition and conditions in the mouth influence whether teeth and gums are harmed.
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A coating with many inhabitants
Microorganisms can form an adherent biofilm on tooth surfaces. Not all bacteria in the mouth are harmful. Their interactions and conditions in the mouth are what matter.
Soft does not mean hard
Plaque is soft. If minerals build up within it, hard tartar can form. Normal brushing can no longer remove it.
Cleaning remains a daily task
Biofilm forms again after cleaning. Regular brushing and suitable interdental cleaning help keep plaque under control.
At a glance
Why can plaque cause harm?
Certain bacteria turn sugar into acids that dissolve tooth minerals. Plaque at the gumline can also encourage an inflammatory response.
Why is regular cleaning needed?
Biofilm forms again after brushing. A toothbrush and suitable interdental care limit it without needing to make the mouth germ-free.
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Often confused
Plaque or tartar?
Plaque is soft biofilm; tartar is mineralised, hard plaque. Both terms describe deposits, not tooth decay.
Quick answers
Is plaque the same as tartar?
No. Plaque is a soft biofilm. Tartar forms through the incorporation of minerals and must be removed professionally.
Why does plaque return despite brushing?
Microorganisms are part of the mouth. They colonise tooth surfaces again. Daily cleaning limits plaque; it does not make the mouth germ-free.
Why can plaque harm teeth and gums?
Certain bacteria turn sugar into acids that dissolve tooth minerals. Plaque at the gumline can also encourage an inflammatory response.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Where does plaque remain on my teeth, and what cleaning method suits those areas?
At the practice, an examination and personal discussion form the basis of oral care recommendations.
We offer personal advice on plaque and daily cleaning.
Discuss your oral careChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Dental biofilm
- A community of microorganisms living as an adherent deposit on tooth surfaces.
- Matrix
- The surrounding substance, partly produced by microorganisms, that holds the biofilm together.
- Mineralisation
- The incorporation of minerals. In plaque, this can lead to hard tartar forming.
Know the difference
Soft biofilm can be controlled mechanically. Mineralised tartar is a hard deposit and needs professional removal.
Sources and context
Editorial research: 22 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.