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PLAQUE
Definition:
Plaque is a soft mixture made up of food residue, saliva and bacteria that sticks to the surface of teeth.
1) When a pet eats, small particles of food and saliva stick to the surface of the teeth
2) The oxygen and food dependent bacteria normally present in a pet's mouth feed on this mixture and begin to multiply
3) Within 3 hours, plaque begins to form as a soft, sticky coating over the surface of the teeth
4) If the teeth are not cleaned, plaque will begin to accumulate and the number of bacteria will rise significantly.