Dental Plaque: Definition, Composition, Classification, Formation, Management | Periodontology | Dentistry. Here we see the core factor whic...
Dental Plaque: Definition, Composition, Classification, Formation, Management | Periodontology | Dentistry.
Here we see the core factor which is the basis for the development of periodontal diseases. Yes, your thinking is right, we are going to see about the Dental Plaque. Later, it progresses to dental calculus which further transforms into Gingivitis, acute & chronic periodontitis.
What is Dental Plaque?
It is the sticky thin layer attached to the surface of the tooth as well as removable and fixed restorations. It is the soft deposit, which consists of proliferating micro-organisms, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and macrophages. It acts as a biofilm, which serves as a medium for the growth of various micro-organisms as well as it adheres to the tooth surface with the help of a pellicle. Finally, mineralised to form dental calculus.
What is the Composition of Dental Plaque?
Dental Plaque Primarily contains bacteria and intercellular matrix. Up to 70% of Plaque contains bacteria remaining is occupied by the intercellular matrix. 1 milligram (mg) of Dental Plaque consists of 240 to 250 million bacteria. The intercellular matrix composed of organic and inorganic portions.
Classification of Dental Plaque
Based on the presence of plaque on the gingival margin,
Supragingival plaque
Supragingival plaque is further classified into coronal and marginal plaque. Coronal plaque is present on the outer surface of the tooth only while marginal plaque is present at the level of the gingival margin.
Subgingival plaque
Subgingival plaque is present within the gingival sulcus. It is also classified into attached and unattached plaques. The attached plaque is attached to the root surface of the tooth. It is of three types. They are,
Tooth Associated Subgingival Plaque
It is associated with the tooth surface, which results in root caries. It contains gram-positive bacteria dominantly.
Epithelium Associated Subgingival Plaque
It is associated with the epithelium of the gingiva around the margin and sulcus. It contains gram-negative bacteria dominantly.
Connective tissue Associated Subgingival Plaque
It is seen in Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) and in Localised Juvenile Periodontitis.
Formation of Dental Plaque
For the formation of plaque, an important organic structure called a pellicle is formed. Which has finger-like projections that help to accumulate the micro-organisms. Two processes happen in the formation of plaque. One is, bacteria adhere to the pellicle and the other one is, adhered bacteria grows and multiplies. This accumulation and multiplication of bacteria can lead to the formation of plaque. The pellicle and the bacteria are attached via electrostatic interactions.
Management for plaque accumulation
Proper tooth brushing is an effective method for preventing plaque accumulation. Maintaining effective oral hygiene by rinsing the mouth with chlorhexidine mouthwashes also prevents plaque accumulation.
