Dental plaque

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Bacterial dental plaque is a thin transparent layer of saliva, oral debris + normal mouth bacteria which sticks to tooth surface + can only be removed by cleaning
It is replaced within few hours by a new deposit of plaque, + its presence may be regarded as natural occurrence

Question 2

The harm is causes

Answer 2

comes from food debris which sticks to plaque during meals + snacks + provides plentiful supply of nourishment for its bacteria + other microorganisms - they accordingly flourish, plaque grows thicker

Question 3

If plaque is in contact with a tooth surface

Answer 3

caries will develop unless the plaque is removed. if in contact with gingiva, gingivitis + then periodontitis will develop unless removed

Question 4

Caries

Answer 4

is mainly a disease of children + young adults whereas periodontal disease predominates later in life. the difference is by the rate at which the two progress

Caries can cause loss of teeth within a few years whereas periodontal disease may take decades to have same effect