What if I stop cleaning my teeth?
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The plaque will continue to build up, and, after a month or two, you will become increasingly prone to

• bad breath,
• an unpleasant taste and
• gums that swell and bleed.

The extent of the inflammatory response will depend whether you are more naturally resistant or less resistant, more healthy, or less healthy,

It’s not all bad news. If the plaque which has only been there a relatively short time is removed, there will be little long-term damage to your gums. It’s the plaque that’s been present for 6 months or so that potentially causes problems.

Because very few people are perfect at cleaning their teeth, there is always plaque that has been there for six months. BUT if the quantity is below a certain threshold amount, then your body will cope. Your threshold plaque count is a useful measure of your resistance to plaque