dental plaque (20)

• What is a biofilm formed by microorganisms attached to?

  Tooth surface and each other
• What are the three abiotic origins of the extracellular material in biofilm?

  Bacterial, saliva, and diet
• How does the composition of dental plaque change over time?

  It undergoes continuous reorganization
• What term is used to include many microorganisms in plaque?

  Dental plaque
• What are the types of plaque according to location?

  Supragingival, subgingival, root surfaces
• Where is supragingival plaque located?

  On the surface of the teeth above the gum
• What is subgingival plaque associated with?

  Gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket
• What is root surface plaque?

  Plaque on exposed roots in the oral environment
• What is the composition of mature plaque?

  Microorganisms and acellular matrix
• What is the first step in plaque development?

  Acquired pellicle formation
• What is the acquired pellicle made of?

  Salivary glycoproteins on tooth enamel
• What role does the acquired pellicle play in plaque development?

  It allows bacterial colonization
• How do bacteria transport to the acquired pellicle?

  Through saliva flow and movements
• What is primary colonization in plaque development?

  Irreversible adhesion of pioneer bacteria
• Which bacteria are considered pioneer bacteria in primary colonization?

  Oral streptococci and Actinomyces naeslundii
• What happens during secondary colonization of plaque?

  New anaerobic microorganisms are incorporated
• When is plaque considered mature?

  After 2-3 weeks of development
• What is the mineralization phase in plaque development?

  Formation of calculus or tartar over time
• What is the composition of mature plaque?

  Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa
• What is the role of the acellular matrix in mature plaque?

  Surrounds microorganisms and provides nutrition
• What is the significance of pH < 4.5 to 5 in plaque?

  It leads to demineralization of teeth
• What are the control methods for plaque?

  Antimicrobials, anti-adhesive compounds, mechanical removal
• What is the main action of antimicrobials in plaque control?

  To penetrate into the plaque
• What is the role of chlorhexidine in plaque control?

  Active against GP and GN bacteria
• How do fluorides help in plaque control?

  Strengthen enamel and have anti-plaque effectiveness
• What is the recommended method for mechanical removal of plaque?

  Brushing twice a day with toothpaste
• What are the types of dental plaque based on location?

  • Supragingival plaque
  • Subgingival plaque
  • Root surfaces plaque
• What are the stages of plaque development?

  1. Acquired pellicle (AP)
  2. Transport of bacteria to AP
  3. Reversible adhesion to AP
  4. Primary colonization
  5. Secondary colonization
  6. Mature plaque
  7. Mineralization phase
• What are the characteristics of the acquired pellicle?

  • Insoluble, amorphous, acellular coating
  • Formed by salivary glycoproteins
  • Not made of bacteria
• What are the effects of the acellular matrix in mature plaque?

  • Surrounds microorganisms
  • Provides nutritional intake
  • Composed of inorganic compounds, water, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
• What are the main diseases caused by plaque?

  • Dental caries
  • Periodontal disease
• What are the types of antimicrobial agents used in plaque control?

  • Antiseptics (e.g., chlorhexidine)
  • Fluorides
  • Other agents (e.g., xylitol, essential oils)