Bacterial plaque, also known as dental plaque, is a whitish-yellowish substance, characterised by a soft, very adherent consistency, which deposits on the hard surfaces in the oral cavity. Bacterial plaque is found on the surface of the teeth, in the interdental spaces, on the gums, on prosthetic surfaces, on the surfaces of prosthetic abutments and even on dental debris.<\/p>\n
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Samples taken by specialists have revealed that dental plaque is composed of at least 30 species of bacteria (streptococci, spirochetes, protozoa). This fact indicates that oral biofilms are among the most complex in nature.<\/p>\n
Dental plaque is made up of food debris, bacteria, toxins, and salivary proteins formed by the parotid and sublingual glands. What characterises this complex is its continuous evolution and colonisation. Therefore, dental plaque is a living formation that permanently expands and, if not controlled, leads to tooth decay and even periodontal disease.<\/p>\n
The mechanism of plaque formation is complex but rapid.<\/p>\n
In the first stage, the bacteria that absorb salivary proteins form a thin film on the surface of the teeth. This stage is immediately followed by the adhesion of bacteria to the formed pellicle. During this process, molecular interactions occur, leading to the excessive multiplication of pathogens and the formation of a new biofilm.<\/p>\n
The first stage of plaque formation lasts approximately two hours, but the entire biofilm development cycle can take up to 30 days.<\/p>\n
The effects of plaque can be devastating for oral health. This biofilm is responsible for tartar, cavities, gum inflammation and infection, and periodontitis.<\/p>\n
Tartar is that deposit of mineralised bacterial plaque which adheres to the surface of teeth or any prosthetic restorations. It is in fact a hard organic deposit that affects tooth enamel and gum health. Tartar is responsible for the formation of cavities.<\/p>\n
Cavities are formed due to the accumulation of bacterial biofilm. This demineralises the protective enamel, penetrates the cracks formed, multiplies chaotically, and leads to the formation of cavities.<\/p>\n
Gums are also heavily affected by bacterial plaque. Gum inflammation is a direct result of the action of dental plaque. Gingivitis must be treated correctly in dental practices, otherwise it leads to tooth loss.<\/p>\n
Periodontitis is the most serious disease of the supporting structures of the teeth. At this stage, both dental and bone structures are affected, and bacteria plaque, through exacerbated colonisation, attacks the deeper surfaces and leads to a modification of the structure of the muscular and skeletal systems.<\/p>\n
Prevention is the most effective method for keeping teeth healthy and preventing the formation of plaque. Specialists maintain that rigorous personal hygiene is essential for avoiding the formation of dental plaque, but it is not enough. Periodic check-ups and adopting a correct diet are complementary measures that help to completely eliminate the bacterial film from the oral cavity.<\/p>\n
The hygiene measures to be adopted are thorough brushing after each meal. Correct brushing means using the correct movements, from the gum towards the tooth. These manoeuvres should be repeated for at least 2-3 minutes at each brushing. Correctly performed movements have the effect of removing bacteria from the base of the teeth, which prevents the onset of gingivitis.<\/p>\n
Using dental floss to remove debris from interdental spaces is another method of preventing plaque buildup. Floss is essential for maintaining oral hygiene, as it helps to clean areas inaccessible to the fine bristles of toothbrushes.<\/p>\n
Another step that must not be overlooked in maintaining oral health is the use of mouthwash. This solution contains elements with a disinfecting and bacteriostatic effect, so it not only removes residue from the oral cavity but also prevents the development of bacterial colonies.<\/p>\n
However, complete oral hygiene is carried out in the dental practice, through special cleaning procedures. During routine check-ups, the specialist performs a proper cleaning of the teeth, a procedure that involves two stages: scaling and polishing. These processes are essential for removing all bacterial agents from the oral cavity.<\/p>\n
Adhering to a correct eating plan is an effective measure for preventing plaque formation. Doctors recommend consuming foods rich in antioxidants that prevent the formation of pathogenic colonies. Green tea, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, onions, and parsley are miracle foods that prevent dental plaque formation.<\/p>\n
In conclusion, plaque is found in absolutely everyone, it is a living organism that develops relentlessly. Adhering to rigorous hygiene measures helps to slow down the development of bacterial colonies, but does not remove them entirely.<\/p>\n
Fighting plaque is continuous and constant.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Bacterial plaque, also known as dental plaque, is a whitish-yellowish substance, characterised by a soft, very adherent consistency, which deposits on the hard surfaces in the oral cavity. Bacterial plaque is found on the surface of the teeth, in the interdental spaces, on the gums, on prosthetic surfaces, on the surfaces of prosthetic abutments and even on dental debris.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1385,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"","ocean_second_sidebar":"","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"","ocean_custom_header_template":"","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1384","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-noutati","entry","has-media"],"yoast_head":"\n