Dental Biofilm and Soft Deposits Flashcards
What are the soft deposits?
Dental biofilm
Acquired enamel pellicle
Materia Alba
Food debris
What are the hard deposits?
Calculus- Supra/Subgingival
What are dental biofilm and soft deposits responsible for?
Patients risk factor for being diagnosed with gingivitis, inflammatory periodontal disease and dental caries
What is gingivitis?
Inflammation of gum tissue
What is inflammatory periodontal disease?
Inflammation of the tissue and gum tissue below the gum line (bone. ligament)
What is the acquired pellicle?
Thin translucent film formed of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids
Thickest near the gingival margin
How does the pellicle form?
Formation begins within minutes of eruption or removal of hard/soft deposits
Salivary proteins highly attracted to the hydroxyapatite of the tooth surface
What is the pellicle composed of?
Glycoproteins (protein based layer)
Gingival crevicular fluid
How does the supragingival pellicle appear?
Translucent and insoluble. Not readily visible without disclosing agent
Can take on extrinsic staining
What is the subgingival pellicle?
Continuous with supraginigival pellicle and can become embedded in tooth structure, especially where tooth surface has become rough or demineralized
What are the significances of the pellicle?
Provide protection
Lubrication
Nidus for Bacteria
Attachment of Calculus
Protective qualities of the pellicle
Provides a barrier against acids
Lubricating qualities of the pellicle
Keeps surfaces moist and prevents drying- increases efficiency of speech and mastication
Pellicle as Nidus for bacteria
Aids in adherence of microorganisms in biofilm formation
Role of pellicle in calculus attachment
Just one mode of attachment for calculus
Can the pellicle be removed?
Not resistant enough to withstand vigorous brushing.
Abrasive toothpastes, whitening products and intake of acidic foods and beverages can also interfere with pellicle formation
Composition of dental biofilm
Microorganisms and extracellular polymeric substance make up 20%
Other 80% is water
Inorganic elements of biofilm
Calcium and phosphorus
Fluoride
Organic elements in biofilm
Carbohydrates (Glucans: dextran, fructans or levans)
Proteins (from gingival sulcus fluid)
Characteristic of Biofilm
Encapsulated in EPS, form a matrix and micro-colonies
Matrix protects the biofilm from hosts immune system and antimicrobial agents
Water channels supply nutrients to the microcolonies
Can adhere to anything in the mouth
Main cause of malodor
Stage 1 of Biofilm Formation
Formation: Begins initial attachment to pellicle
Stage 2 Biofilm Formation
Bacterial Multiplication and Colonization: Increasing numbers, forming communities and beginning communication with each other.
Growing in layers upward and outward to create 3D plaque
Stage 3 Biofilm Formation
Matrix Formation: Anchors bacteria to the tooth. Protects bacterial community and allows it to keep growing
Can be seen supra/subgingivaly
What are the components of Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS)?
Polysaccharides, glucans, fructans or levans
Sticky, cement biofilm more firmly to teeth