Dental Plaque Causes Symptoms Prevention And Treatment

Dental Plaque - A Short Introduction 

The teeth stand out to be the hardest substance in the human body. Being essential for chewing, the teeth also play a crucial part in speech. From eating to speaking and communicating, teeth are involved in the primary activities of everyday life. Thus, teeth require good care for their functioning. However, few tooth anomalies affect our teeth which in turn increase health issues disturbing the quality of life. 

Dental Plaque is one such condition: a common dental problem being faced by 50% of the population. The moist and warm environment of the teeth provides an excellent environment for the bacterial plaque. 

What Is Dental Plaque? 

A mass of bacteria or a biofilm growing on surfaces within the mouth can be referred to as Dental Plaque. At first, it seems like a colorless, sticky deposit but often becomes brown or pale yellow when it forms tartar. Chewing surfaces, behind the teeth, on the front of teeth, between the teeth or below the gum line cervical margins, are the places it is commonly found.

Synonyms for Dental Plaque would be oral biofilm, dental biofilm, bacterial plaque biofilm or microbial plaque. Bacterial plaque is supposed to be one of the major causes of gum diseases and dental decay. 

Dental Plaque

Causes Of Dental Plaque 

The plaque can be felt by the tongue and may be noticed efficiently when teeth are not brushed. Foods containing sugars and starches (carbohydrates), like for an instance cake, chocolates, ice creams, or candies which may be frequently left in teeth are the base for plaque formation. 

Bacteria feed on these food items producing acids that after a certain period start destroying the tooth enamel, thus, resulting in tooth decay. The decay can be severe enough to develop in the roots of the tooth under the gum, causing breakdown of the main bone that supports the tooth. 

Symptoms Of Dental Plaque 

A sticky film or tartar may be the only symptom that can be seen for dental plaque. Tartar (also called calculus) is plaque hardened on the teeth. In some cases of tooth plaque, other symptoms such as tooth loss, receding gums, bad breath, and pain or bleeding gums. When touched with the tongue it gives a fuzzy feel. In an advanced stage, it may appear as a yellowish, grayish or a white coating on the teeth. 

Types Of Dental Plaque 

• Bacterial plaque: This type can be divided into two parts being classified based on their location on the tooth surface.
• Supra-gingival plaque: Plaque that is present at the level of gingival margin or above it can be categorized as supra-gingival plaque. 
• Marginal plaque: This type can be described as the plaque present in direct contact with the gingival plaque. 
• Sub-gingival plaque: Plaque that is present below the gingival margin is known as subgingival plaque. It can be categorized further as:

1. Tooth associated plaque 
2. Tissue associated plaque

Based On Pathogenicity

• Perio pathogenic: 

Mostly gram-negative and basophilic. 

• Cariogenic: 

Generally gram-positive and acidogenic. 

Prevention Of Dental Plaque 

• For the prevention of plaque, floss between teeth at least once a day to remove the bacteria and food particles. 
• With a soft, rounded-tip toothbrush, brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste. 
• To reduce the invasion of bacteria, use an antibacterial mouthwash that may prevent plaque and gum diseases. 
• Limit the number of between-meal snacks or rather choose foods such as fruits or raw vegetables. Eat a balanced diet. Celery as a vegetable helps saliva to neutralize plaque-causing acids. 
• Discuss with a dentist, if a dental sealant would be appropriate. Dental sealants may be defined as a thin plastic coating, painted on chewing surfaces to protect them from decay and cavities. 

Treatment Of Dental Plaque 

Flossing and brushing regularly can help in preventing plaque. 

• As a part of self-care, fluorine may be used as it makes the tooth enamel stronger. Using a rotating brush and gritty toothpaste can be helpful in removing stains on the surface of the teeth. 
• Debridement, a medical procedure can be implemented to remove any foreign matter or dead tissue from a wound to help it heal. 
• Topical antiseptics may be used to degrade the growth rate of microorganisms. 
• Concern a dentist. 

Important Article: What Do You Know About Edentulism?

The condition is a common one, and several treatments are available for the cure. Dr. Paul Kim, an expert dentist in Torrance, suggests that it is necessary to take preventive measures for Dental Plaque and should be treated well if encountered.