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Dental plaque is considered a biofilm adhered to the tooth surface. It is a meticulously formed microbial community, that is organised to a particular structure and function. [ 12 ] Plaque is rich in species, given the fact that about 1000 different bacterial species have been recognised using modern techniques.
The ecological plaque hypothesis, a combination of the two previously mentioned hypotheses, suggests that there are certain species responsible for pathology, but are present in insufficient quantities to cause damage to a healthy individual. [13] Thus biofilm derived diseases are the result of an imbalance in the normal oral ecology. [14]
Plaque is a biofilm composed of several different kinds of bacteria and their products that develop over the enamel on the pellicle. Plaque formation takes several days to weeks and will cause the surrounding environment to become acidic, if not removed.
A dynamic equilibrium exists notably between the bacteria of dental plaque and the host's immune system, enabling the plaque to stay behind in the mouth when other biofilms are washed away. [19] In equilibrium, the bacterial biofilm produced by the fermentation of sugar in the mouth is quickly swept away by the saliva, except for dental plaque.
These can form a plaque that can lead to atherosclerosis and trigger myocardial infarction and stroke. [1] [2] [3] Foam cells are fat-laden cells with a M2 macrophage-like phenotype. They contain low density lipoproteins (LDL) and can be rapidly detected by examining a fatty plaque under a microscope after it is removed from the body. [4]
Plaque and calculus deposits are a major etiological factor in the development and progression of oral disease. An important part of the scope of practice of a dental hygienist is the removal of plaque and calculus deposits. This is achieved through the use of specifically designed instruments for debridement of tooth surfaces.
Oral hygiene practices involve the mechanical removal of plaque from hard tissue surfaces [24] Cariogenic bacteria levels in the plaque determine whether caries will occur or not, therefore, effective removal of plaque is paramount. [25] The removal of plaque inhibits demineralisation of teeth, and increases opportunities for remineralization.
While S. mutans grows in the biofilm, cells maintain a balance of metabolism that involves production and detoxification. Biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms in which cells adhere to each other or a surface. Bacteria in the biofilm community can actually generate various toxic compounds that interfere with the growth of other competing ...