Dental Plaque Presentation

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 plaqueassociated 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. 

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