Dental Plaque and affects of it

What is Dental Plaque ?
Dental plaque is a soft deposit that accumulates on the teeth. Dental plaque is a bio film, usually a pale yellow in colour that develops naturally on the teeth. Like any bio film, dental plaque is formed by inhabiting bacteria trying to attach themselves to a smooth surface of the tooth. It is a general term for the diverse microbial community, predominantly bacteria, found on the tooth surface. Dental plaque starts when bacteria that are usually present in the mouth attach themselves to teeth and begin multiplying. Plaque develops naturally on teeth, and forms part of the defence systems of the enamel. The process of attachment, growth, removal and reattachment of bacteria to the tooth surface is a continuous and dynamic aspect. According to studies, the carbohydrates present in the food forms a product called Dextran by the action of the bacteria, and this helps in binding of bacteria to the surface and formation of the thin layer.

Plaque can form on teeth both above the gum line, where it is called supra gingival plaque, or below the gum line on the roots of teeth, where it is named sub gingival plaque.

Plaque – the enemy of dental health.
Dental plaque thus is the almost invisible, soft, white substance that forms a little blanket that sticks on our teeth. Plaque is most noticeable when teeth are not brushed, and even after brushing it starts growing again immediately. Plaque consists of millions of germs in a sticky mass that are constantly forming. Plaque on teeth makes them feel furry to the tongue and by converting food into acids, plaque attacks teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disorders. The plaque which keeps the germs close to the teeth is sometimes difficult to see. If we colour this plaque, by rinsing with a special agent or by chewing a special tablet called a disclosing tablet, we can see it quite easily. If left alone long enough, plaque begins to mineralize and harden into calculus or tartar because the plaque absorbs calcium, phosphorus and other minerals from saliva.

Fluoride increases the resistance of the enamel of the teeth to attack by acid. Studies have shown that most people have very little knowledge as to what fluoride or water fluoridation is. They also do not know that fluoride is a natural constituent of water supplies, and that water fluoridation is simply the process of topping up something which is there already, but at insufficient levels.

Effects of Plaque
Millions of germs in sticky plaque feed on the sugars you eat. Distinctly different kinds of germs dominate the plaque, depending on whether the mouth is healthy, or disease is present. In a healthy mouth, where the layer of plaque on the teeth is typically thin, bacteria that need oxygen grow and thrive. They are called aerobic organisms. These are the same bacteria normally found in the mouth. Some bacteria are able to grow with or without oxygen, although they prefer oxygen because it is beneficial to their metabolism and ability to survive. They are called facultative organisms, and they are more likely to be seen where there is disease. For example, people who regularly consume a diet rich in sugar content have large numbers of bacteria in their plaque that are associated with tooth decay or cavities. The primary microbe associated with cavities is a round shaped facultative germ called Streptococcus mutans (S.Mutans). These bacterial produce tooth dissolving acid when given an abundant supply of sugar to feed on.

They use the sugars to produce acids which are our substances like vinegar or battery acid. These acids are very strong and slowly, bit by bit, they attack your teeth until holes begin to form. One the hole is formed, it gets bigger and deeper and starts to cause pain and discomfort. If your teeth get hurt when you eat, drink hot or cold drinks, it is likely that you have a hole, even if you cannot see it. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay while other types of plaque cause gum disease

Plaque can also affect the gums by causing gum disease. Bleeding gums, bad breath, tender gums or loose teeth can be a sign of gum disease. Sometimes gums can be sick without being painful. If the gum disease is not treated, the tiny little strings that keep the tooth firmly connected to the bone are damaged and the tooth becomes loose. The formation of dental plaque on your teeth is part of normal human physiology. Therefore, it is not possible to prevent saliva and bacterial in the mouth from depositing on your teeth and contributing to the build up of plaque. So you really cannot prevent dental plaque from forming on your teeth. Besides, you would not want to, because in a healthy mouth, some dental plaque is beneficial. However, if you want your teeth and gums to remain healthy or return to a state of health, the number and types of bacteria that grow in the plaque must be controlled through regular brushing and practice of oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing habits prevent formation and also help remove any dental plaque present.

The Removal of Dental Plaque
The daily removal of plaque is the single most important factor in preventing gingivitis as well as the prevention of tooth decay which is caused by the acid formed by the bacterial in the same plaque. The correct tooth-brushing technique and the use of dental floss are essential for the removal of plaque. To keep the teeth clean is actually a difficult task, but rewards are marvelous – no cavities and no gingivitis will develop. Halitosis or bad breath will be prevented to a great extent.