Dental Plaque
By: Ken HurtTotal Views: 411, Word Count: 713,
Dental plaque is the sticky material that is formed by the combination of acid formed in mouth, bacteria and saliva. It is whitish colored just like your teeth and hence it is hard to detect dental plaque. Tooth decay and various gum diseases are caused by plaque. If it is not removed it hardens into tartar.
Microorganisms involved
Streptococcus mutans
Fusobacterium
Actinobacteria
Problems cause due to plaque
- Dental cavities
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Bad breath
- Dental abscess
- Gum disease
Detect plaque
All of us develop dental plaque as bacteria are constantly present in our mouth. Bacteria grow on the food particles that remain in your mouth. They break down sugars and starch into acids. With repeated acid attacks, tooth enamel breaks down forming cavities.
- Plaque is white colored and is difficult to detect. Your dentist can detect it with through examination with dental instruments.
- You can identify plaque at home. Use special tablets with red dye that stains plaque. Chew it for 30 seconds and rinse. Plaque gets stained pink. Examine your teeth for pink stains in a small dental mirror.
- Swirl a special fluorescent solution around the mouth. Rinse gently and examine your teeth and gums. Plaque will shine in ultraviolet light into the mouth. There are no stains in this method.
Categories of dental plaque
- Supragingival: It is seen above the gum line in teeth region.
- Gingival: Seen along the gum line.
- Subgingival: Seen on the roots of teeth below the gum line.
Sites of plaque
- The major sites of plaque accumulation are fissures of molar teeth
- Area bounded by margins of gums and tooth
- Between teeth
Plaque formation
A thin film of salivary proteins and glycol proteins along with some micro organisms are seen in the mouth. The bacteria grow fast forming a lot of colonies. After 24 hours, the plaque starts maturing and forms a slab. A lot of bacterial colonies are found here and these are called climax community.
Prevent dental plaque
Regular cleaning of your teeth prevents plaque formation. Get your dentist clean and examine your teeth, especially areas that you cannot reach. Here are some tips to prevent plaque formation.
- Brush your teeth after meal and before going to bed
- Use a soft brush with round bristles
- Tooth paste should contain fluoride
- Floss your teeth regularly
- Brush your tongue
- Use a dental pick to remove plaque
- Have a regular dental check up and cleaning routine with your dentist
- Keep dentures, retainers clean by brushing and soaking in cleansing solution
- Eat well balanced meals for healthy teeth and gums
- Limit sugary of starchy food intake
- Use dental sealants to seal over healthy pits, fissures and grooves to prevent tooth decay
This article on dental plaque informs you about various aspects of dental plaque. You can follow the preventive measures and keep dental plaque from forming.
About the Author
Dr. Ken Hurt is a well known dentist and has been in this field since 1995. He is graduated in doctor of dental medicine from London University. His interest lies in cosmetic dentistry, gum and teeth replacement, children dentistry, drug therapy, psychology in dentistry, oral surgery and pathology.
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