Dental Plaque — Causes, Consequences, Detection, And Treatment

Dental Plaque - A Brief Analysis

Tooth brushing is a daily activity carried out unconsciously in the mornings. It is an essential activity that keeps our teeth in excellent condition. Tiny particles of food that remain in gaps of our teeth and on gums cause cavities and infections. Such fragments are cleansed on thorough mouth washing and by frequently brushing.

It should be a priority to protect teeth against infections and degradations caused by microbes. Discoloration should be avoided since it makes a person lose confidence in smiling and to open mouth. Such incidents occur due to lack of brushing and accumulation of debris over a long time on the surface of teeth and gums.

This creates an environment for bacterial growth that further degrades teeth and causes other undesirable diseases.

Dental Plaque appears in any individual having negligence in oral hygiene.

What Is Dental Plaque?

Dental Plaque, even called a dental biofilm is an accumulation of bacterial colonies on the surface of teeth. They are seen under the tooth and between the gum lines of the teeth.

The plaque is colorless, sticky and coats the enamel of the teeth. It leads to discoloration of teeth to pale yellow and brown as it forms tartar that is hard and much difficult to remove.

The appearance of small yellow blankets below the teeth is dental plaques. Lack of care in brushing teeth reflects the presence of plaque in yellow. The feeling of mushy layer present on the gums and teeth is due to the formation of biofilms. These layers give a disgusting taste when in contact with the tongue while eating. This is a common incident that occurs in people of all ages.

Causes Of Dental Plaque

The food we consume contains thousands of strains of bacteria that get settled on the inner lining of the mouth and teeth. They acquire nutrition from the food debris present in the mouth. The carbohydrates from food are blocks of sugars necessary for bacterial growth and are fermented to form simple sugars during which by-products like acids are released.

The acids released degrade the enamel layer of the teeth, which further causes cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. These acid contents are the prime reasons for the discoloration of teeth.

Steps In Plaque Formation

●        Association—           

The bacterial strains cling on to food debris present on teeth.

●        Proliferation—

Multiplication of bacteria.

●        Microcolonies—

Bacteria form colonies and are slimy.

●        Biofilm Formation—

Micro colonies evolve into complex organizations.

●        Maturation—

Nutrients are passed inside the biofilm.

Prolonged accumulation of bacterial colonies leads to much harder plaque formation called tartar or dental calculus. Preventing demineralization of teeth and tartar is essential. Tartar is hard to remove by brushing or flossing and needs professional cleaning by dentists.

SEE ALSO: Tooth decay - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, And Treatments

Consequences

●        Gingivitis:

It is the enhanced version of plaque formation leading to host-parasite interactions. These interactions are countered by localized inflammation which is characterized by red and puffy appearance of gums.

●        Periodontitis:

The symptom of this infectious disease is the destruction of teeth and bones. The enzymes released by bacteria in plaque cause the degradation of teeth and bones.

●        Dental Caries:

Demineralization of the enamel distinguishes it by acidogenic bacteria. It is often called an infectious disease due to its bacterial origin.

Detection

●        Actions necessary to curb the plaque formation include detection at early stages with the application of plaque disclosing gel, disclosing tablets or visual observation.

●        The invisibility of plaque at early stages due to colorlessness requires the application of disclosing gels. These products lead to the coloration of plaque which is visible.

●  Disclosing tablets are to be chewed to get coloration. Tablets are prescribed for orthodontic patients and children wearing braces.

Treatment

Dental plaques are mainly caused due to negligence in tooth brushing, and therefore, proper care would be sufficient in preventing plaques. However, severe and demineralizing plaque formation requires professional guidance in elimination.

Removal of plaque gradually cures gingivitis. Surgical debridement can treat periodontitis by a professional dentist.

Since dental plaque is a deliberate mistake by individuals, Dr. Deborah Tabb, who is the best dentist in Bethesda. suggests that oral hygiene should be maintained by brushing teeth a minimum of two times a day for cheerful and alluring smiles.