Plaque and calculus

Question 1

explain how a biofilm forms

Answer 1

1. bacteria adheres to tooth surface
2. bacterias metabolism changes local environment
3. aggregation means more bacteria and a more diverse microflora
4. biofilm matures which releases a matrix of extracellular polymers
5. biofilm formed

Question 2

what is the process of gingivitis to periodontitis

Answer 2

the shift in composition of subgingival microflora

Question 3

describe 4 features of supragingival calculus

Answer 3

• coronal
• forms most at openings of salivary ducts (parotid-buccal of max second molar and sublingual-lingual of mand incisors)
• creamy-white chalky apperance
• detection: clinically visible and air drying

Question 4

describe 6 features of subgingival calculus

Answer 4

• apical
• forms on the lingual more than buccal
• brownish-black due to gingival crevicular fluid
• detection: probing- tactile sensation using WHO 621 probe
• ledges or rings around tooth- especially on CEJ
• on root surface as crusty, spiny and nodular formations

Question 5

in health, what are the bacteria in the gingival crevice made up of

Answer 5

mostly gram-positive including strep cocci and rods of actinomyces

Question 6

in disease, what are the bacteria in the gingival crevice made up of

Answer 6

increased actinomyces and anaerobic gram-negative bacteria (microbiome and inflam response in dysbiosis)