Plaque and Other Dental Deposits Flashcards
Within __ weeks, a nearly mature microbiota is established in the gut of a baby
2
After approximately __ years, the entire human microbiota is formed and comprised of very complex bacterial species
2
The human body contains _______ times more bacteria than human cells
1.3 to 10
Colonization of the oral cavity starts…
close to the time of birth
Most bacteria within the human body maintain themselves within their host by…
adhering to a surface, including within the oral cavity
How are organisms removed from the oral cavity?
- Swallowing, mastication, or blowing the nose
- Tongue and oral hygiene implementation
- The wash-out effect of the salivary, nasal, and crevicular fluid outflow
- The active motion of the cilia of the nasal and sinus walls
Most organisms can survive in the oropharynx when they adhere to…
either soft tissues or the hard surfaces
What are the six major ecosystems of the oral cavity?
-tonsils
-tongue
-floor/roof of mouth
-subgingival tissue
-saliva
-crowns, implants, etc.
What is a biofilm in nature?
A thin, slimy film of bacteria that adheres to a surface
What is a biofilm composed of?
microbial cells that interact closely with neighboring cells mutually benefiting each other when one organism removes another’s waste products and uses them as an energy source
What is a biofilm encased in?
matrix that acts as a barrier
What does a plaque matrix do?
Surrounds the bacteria within the plaque biofilm
What is a plaque matrix composed of?
- inorganic and organic components that originate from the bacteria
- Major components: polysaccharides derived from bacterial metabolism of carbs
- Minor components: salivary glycoproteins
Water channels are commonly found in biofilms which form…
primitive circulatory system that removes waste products and brings fresh nutrients to the deeper layers of the film
What are the main inorganic components of biofilm?
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Trace amounts of sodium, potassium, fluoride
Main source of inorganic components of supragingival plaque is primarily…
saliva
As the mineral content in saliva increases, the biofilm mass becomes calcified to form…
calculus
What is the definition of dental plaque?
a structured, resilient, yellow-grayish substance that adheres tenaciously to intraoral hard surfaces, including removable and fixed restorations
The extracellular matrix makes it impossible to remove plaque by…
rinsing or with use of sprays
What is dental plaque composed of primarily?
microorganisms
____________ plaque is found at or above the gingival margin
Supragingival
__________ plaque is found below the gingival margin, between the tooth and the gingival pocket
Subgingival
When plaque is in direct contact with the gingival margin, it is called ________ plaque
marginal
Supragingival plaque and tooth-associated subgingival plaque are critical in…
calculus formation and root caries
Tissue-associated subgingival plaque is important in…
the tissue destruction that characterizes different forms of periodontitis
Where is the initial growth of supragingival plaque?
along gingival margins and interdental spaces
- may also originate from grooves, cracks, or pits
Where does plaque growth later?
coronal direction
What is materia alba?
Soft, white, accumulation of bacteria, food matter, and tissue cells
What does materia alba consist of?
salivary proteins, bacteria, desquamated epithelial cells/disintegrating food debris
Is materia alba easily displaced with water spray?
YES
Is plaque easily displaced with water spray?
NO
What patient population generally has materia alba?
older patients
What is calculus?
Hard deposit that forms via the mineralization of dental plaque and that is generally covered by a layer of unmineralized plaque
Biofilm becomes mineralized by _________ and _________ salts from the saliva
calcium and phosphate
Biofilm mineralization usually starts between the ___ and ___ day of plaque formation
1st and 14th
Calcifying plaques may become 50% mineralized in ___ days
2
Calcifying plaques may become 60-90% mineralized in ___ days
12
_______ is the primary source for supragingival calculus formation
Saliva
_________________ provides the minerals for subgingival calculus
gingival crevicular fluid & inflammatory exudate
Why does calculus play a major role in periodontitis?
keeps plaque close to the gingival tissues and makes it difficult to remove the irritant (plaque)