Dental plaque and its contents. Harm caused by dental plaque and how to control plaque.

1. Dental Plaque Dr. Rupali Jakhadi, Smile Care For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com

2. What is Dental Plaque For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com Dental plaque is a biofilm which builds up on and surrounding the teeth. Plaque is Sticky and usually colorless. It forms every day on teeth.

3. Plaque is formed by microorganisms embedded in the matrix made up of saliva. Most of the microorganisms are bacteria (mainly Steptococcus mutans and anaerobes). The anaerobes include Fusobacterium and Actinobacteria. The composition varies by the location of plaque. Contents of Plaque For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com

4. How the Plaque Causes Harm For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com The microorganisms found in plaque are usually seen in mouth at all times and are harmless. They feed on many of the foods we eat. Carbohydrates and sugars are their favorite. Plaque sticks to the teeth. If not removed properly by tooth brushing it will build up in thick layers. Those Microorganisms which are nearest to the tooth convert to anaerobic respiration. In this stage they produce acids.

5. For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com How the Plaque Causes Harm Being the thick film saliva can not penetrate and cannot neutralize the acid produced by bacteria. These acids demineralise the closest tooth surface. Thus it will lead to dental caries.

6. For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com How the Plaque Causes Harm Plaque also causes irritation of gums and leads to gingivitis and if not removed, further will lead to periodontitis and tooth loss. Plaque can also mineralize and become hard called calculus (tartar) which invites more deposits causing more gum problems.

7. For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com How the Plaque Causes Harm

8. For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com How the Plaque Causes Harm

9. For more details visit http://www.smilecareworld.com Testing of Plaque Plaque is usually clear and can not be seen by necked eyes unless it is colored with a special dye. Dentist can identify plaque with dental instruments. Testing of plaque should be done after brushing and flossing to see if any residual plaque is remaining. It can be done by two ways.

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