What is the difference between plaque and biofilm?

Plaque refers to the visible soft deposit on the teeth. Biofilm describes the complex microbial community at a molecular level. A biofilm contains various strains of bacteria within a protective matrix they produce themselves. This structure makes biofilm more resistant to cleaning than loose plaque. Biofilm develops in stages over hours to days. It causes not only cavities but also gum inflammation. Professional cleaning effectively disrupts this biofilm structure. Daily home care must remove the biofilm as it begins to form. Special mouthwashes can slow biofilm formation. Understanding biofilm helps in developing more effective prevention strategies.