Did you know that the plaque stuck between your teeth could be harming more than just your gums?
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and under your gum line every day. It builds up from bacteria, saliva and leftover food particles, settling in gaps between your teeth that your toothbrush often can't reach.
If you don’t properly remove it, plaque can harden into a calcified, porous form called tartar within 24-72 hours. You can't remove tartar yourself; it needs professional removal at your hygienist appointment. If ignored, tartar can lead to periodontitis (gum disease), often showing up as swollen or bleeding gums.
In this blog, we’ll explain how leaving plaque untouched damages your oral health, how it calcifies into tartar, and why removing it effectively matters for your overall health and wellbeing. We’ll also share the dentist-approved method, the Hydro Pod water flosser, which removes plaque between your teeth safely, effectively and quickly at home.
How can it impact my oral health?
Every time you eat, bacteria feed on leftover food residue between your teeth and release acids. This creates a sticky, odorless film called ‘plaque’, which forms naturally on the tooth's surface between the gumline when you don’t effectively clean your teeth properly each day.
You can identify plaque in a few ways:
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Feel your teeth - if they feel furry or have a slimy coating, that’s likely plaque
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Bad breath (halitosis)- can indicate plaque buildup as bacteria release foul-smelling compounds while feeding on food debris
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Bleeding gums - if your gums bleed whilst brushing or flossing, plaque irritation could be causing gum inflammation
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Check your gumline - a pale yellow or whitish film often indicates plaque buildup
Plaque consists of bacteria and food debris. Proteins and glycoproteins in your saliva coat the enamel and bind to a layer called the 'pellicle' within minutes. Over the next 24 hours, bacteria like Streptococcus Mutans bind to the pellicle, multiply and form a diverse microbial layer that eat the sugars in the plaque. If not removed, plaque absorbs minerals from the enamel and calcifies into a hardened, porous form called tartar, or ‘dental calculus’, which only a dental professional can remove.
Bacteria stick more easily to the hardened layer, causing the gum area to become inflamed and swollen, medically known as 'gingivitis'. Gingivitis may not seem serious at first, but if left untreated it can spread to deeper gum tissues including the periodontium leading to ‘periodontitis’ or gum disease and negatively impact your oral health.
It’s essential to remove dental plaque consistently and maintain good oral hygiene, in order to prevent oral health issues from worsening and reduce the risk of infection.
Why is water flossing the most effective way to remove dental plaque?
Water flossing with the Hydro Pod cleans between teeth and along the gumline by using a targeted, high-pressure ultrafine stream of water. Unlike traditional string floss, which can be abrasive and difficult to use correctly, water flossing is low effort and non-invasive.
Studies show water flossing can reduce gingival bleeding and removes significantly more plaque than string floss, especially in hard-to-reach areas. The Hydro Pod directs this focused water stream to flush out harmful debris, disrupt bacterial biofilm, and stimulate the gum tissue - supporting healthier gums and reducing the risk of inflammation
How the Hydro Pod improves oral hygiene and gum health
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Reaches where normal floss can’t - cleans deep between teeth, below the gumline, and around braces with five nozzles and ten pressure settings
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Gentle on gums - pulsing water removes debris without irritation or bleeding while promoting healthier, less inflamed gums
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Removes plaque - proven to eradicate plaque biofilm more effectively than string floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease
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Effortless to use - ergonomic, waterproof design with a large, refillable tank perfect for all users including those with limited mobility
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Eco-friendly - replaces disposable floss helping reduce plastic waste and landfill impact
Incorporating the Hydro Pod water flossing device into your daily routine offers a clinically-backed approach to improving oral hygiene and supporting long-term health.
