Plaque is a colorless layer of bacteria found in the mouth. It clings to the teeth, particularly near the gum line and in between the teeth and is continually forming. While everyone has it, the build up of plaque, if left unremoved, is responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.

If plaque is not removed, it may become hard and is turn to tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist or a dental hygienist during a professional cleaning. Because plaque and tartar can harm your teeth, it must be cleaned off regularly.

There are a number of ways you can fight plaque and leave your mouth feeling fresh and healthy:
1.    Brush. This is probably the single most effective way to fight plaque as well as bad breath and gum disease. Experts recommend you brush teeth at least twice daily with an American Dental Association-approved toothpaste. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. Proper brushing technique is to brush for at least two minutes (a minute on the top and a minute on the bottom) in a circular motion, concentrating on the gum line. You should also consider purchasing an electric toothbrush. These have been proven to be more effective at removing plaque from teeth.
2.    Floss. This is the other most effective way to fight plaque. Plaque gets stuck in between the teeth and cannot be removed with brushing alone, so flossing daily will help to remove plaque from the inside of the teeth. Not flossing can lead to cavities in between the teeth as well as gum disease, so daily flossing between all the teeth is very important for fighting plaque. Experts recommend you floss before you brush your teeth.
3.    Use an antibacterial mouthwash. While mouthwash in itself is not enough to fight plaque by itself, and antibacterial mouthwash or Listerine can help fight plaque and other bacteria in the mouth before it turns to harmful tartar. You can get this type of mouthwash in the drug store, and you can also get stronger types by prescription from your dentist.
4.    Get regular check-ups. Most adults and children don't visit the dentist nearly enough. Whether it's because they don't feel like they need it or because they're scared, many people don't get check-ups at least once a year, which is what is recommended. Annual check-ups will include a cleaning, which removes tartar and plaque build-up from the teeth, preventing decay and gum disease.
5.    Chew gum. If you are unable to brush your teeth after a meal, sugar-free gum has shown to be an effective way to help clean the teeth and prevent an accumulation of plaque on the teeth, although it should never be substituted for brushing altogether. You should also limit sugary foods, especially hard candies and candy bars, as the sugar eats away at enamel and can lead to decay.

Plaque that goes un-brushed is often the beginning of many problems with oral health, including tooth decay and gum disease. By keeping these tips in mind, you can fight plaque and have a healthy mouth.