5 Reasons You Get More Dental Plaque As You Age

If plaque seems worse now than it used to be, you're not imagining it. Plaque buildup often increases with age — and it's not about being careless. It's also why Plaque Melter™ has found its way into so many routines — and here are 5 reasons you get more dental plaque as you age.

1) Saliva flow decreases

Saliva naturally helps rinse plaque away throughout the day. As saliva production slows, plaque has more time to settle.

• What you notice: drier mouth, more buildup.
• Why it happens: less natural rinsing between brushings.
• What helps: targeting plaque directly instead of relying on saliva.

2) Teeth develop more texture over time

Years of use create micro-changes in tooth surfaces. These tiny imperfections give plaque more places to grip.

• What you notice: plaque feels harder to fully remove.
• Why: rougher surfaces hold onto buildup.
• What helps: loosening plaque before brushing.

3) Gums change over time

Gum recession exposes new edges and surfaces that weren't exposed before. These areas collect buildup faster.

• What you notice: plaque at the gumline that wasn't there years ago.
• Why: exposed root surfaces are rougher than enamel.
• What helps: targeting the gumline specifically.

4) Plaque has had more time to establish patterns

The same spots that collected plaque 10 years ago still collect it now. Over time, those patterns become more pronounced.

• What you notice: the same gaps always look dirty.
• Why: plaque follows predictable behavior.
• What helps: breaking the pattern with targeted cleaning.

5) Your routine hasn't adapted

If you're using the same approach you used at 25, it might not be enough anymore. That's why some people add a targeted pre-clean step like Plaque Melter™.

• What you want: a routine that keeps up with how your mouth has changed.
• What works: adding a step that loosens plaque before brushing.