DENTAL PLAQUE

What’s Dental Plaque

Dental Plaque is a sticky, soft and colourless

film that builds up on the teeth. If not removed
regularly, it can lead to dental cavities(caries) or
periodontal problems (such as gingivitis).
The microorganisms that form the biofilm are
almost entirely bacteria (mainly Streptococcus
mutans and anaerobes).
 Causes

The main cause for dental plaque formation is when you don’t
brush your teeth frequently.
As the bacteria living in you mouth which are called normal
flora feed in the sugar in your mouth.
Then the begin to produce an acid which go deeper into your
gums and begin making troubles(dental plaque and caries).
 The process of dental plaque formation
Dental plaque formation starts almost immediately
after tooth brushing. Some minutes after brushing
your teeth, saliva derived glycoprotein deposits
start to cover the tooth surface with what is
referred to as "pellicle“(The pellicle is then
colonized by Gram-positive bacteria such as
Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans).
The formation of pellicle is the first step in dental
plaque formation.
After 1 to 3 days following the initiation of plaque
formation:
1)the first bacteria colonies start to multiply and
expand.
2)new bacteria species start to colonize the tooth
plaque.
 Diseases caused by Plaque
1)demineralization of the adjacent tooth
surface, and dental caries.
2) Irritation of the gums around the teeth
(gum inflammation), leading to gingivitis
(red, swollen, bleeding gums),
periodontal disease and tooth loss.
3) Tooth plaque build up can also
become mineralized and form calculus.

Generally: The main health problems of

the oral cavity can be related to the
accumulation of dental plaque on teeth.
 What are the symptoms of plaque-
associated gum disease:-
Mild gingivitis:-does not cause any symptoms and so
you may not realise that you have it. The gums look
slightly swollen.
Moderate gingivitis:-cause more marked swelling and
reddening of the gums. The gums often bleed a little
when you clean your teeth.
Periodontitis:-often does not cause any symptoms until
an affected tooth becomes loose.
in some cases, symptoms develop and may include:
• 1)halitosis (bad breath).
• 2)some pus formation in small pockets between
teeth and gums.
• 3)Pain and difficulty in eating.
•
 Factors can affect plaque formation:-
1) Oral hygiene.
2) Orthodontic or prosthetic appliance as
they may interfere with oral hygiene.
3) Structure and position of the tooth.
Roughness of enamel whether
development or acquired encourages
plaque accumulation.
4) Diet greatly affects plaque formation.
Rough fibrous diet and the movement of
mastication reduce plaque, while a
sucrose rich diet encourages plaque
deposition through sticky polymers.
 Dental calculus


 Produced by calcification of supra and subgingival dental

plaque. As the calcium phosphate deposits, the
hardness of calculus varies. Dental plaque may cover
the established layer of calculus. Calculus contains a
large variety of organisms (strept sangius and
actinomycetes predominates).
 Control of dental plaque
1) Oral hygiene.
 2) Diet: Plaque increase considerably in the presence of

carbohydrates, especially sucrose. Limiting dietary

carbohydrates has a dramatic effect on plaque volume.
 3) Physical removal of plaque: e.g. tooth brushing, use of

dental floss and interdental wooden wedges.

4) Ultrasonic scaling devices:

 A) These remove plaque and calculus

mechanically.
 B) Ultrasonic vibration disturbs bacteria in sub gingival
plaque.
 5) Antiseptics: chloromexidine and providine-iodine reduce

bacteria. Its action may extend for some time.

