What Is Oral Plaque?

Oral plaque is a common dental problem which causes a film to appear on the teeth. Oral plaque is the result of inadequate brushing and flossing and can cause serious problems. Plaque can be visualized by staining it with special dyes, which can help correct problems with brushing. It can also be prevented by the use of mouthwash.

Identification

Oral plaque (also known as dental plaque) is called a biofilm, which means that it is the result of small organisms accumulating on the surface of the teeth. In this case the organisms are bacteria, though the actual types of bacteria vary depending on the area of the mouth. These bacteria are naturally present in the mouth and are usually harmless. However, if they are allowed to build up on the tooth's surface, they can form a thick layer (plaque) which can lead to both gum and tooth disease.

Types of Bacteria

The types of bacteria that are present in plaque are predominantly Streptococcus, Neisseria and Actinomyces, as well as some anaerobic bacteria (anaerobic bacteria are only able to grow in areas where there is no oxygen). One interesting feature of plaque is that layers of different bacteria can be found in the plaque because the bacteria interact. For example, the first bacteria to appear on teeth tend to be Streptococcus and Neisseria bacteria, because these are the one that are best suited to grow on the surface of the teeth. These bacteria then change the conditions on the tooth's surface, which allows bacteria such as the anaerobes to colonize.

Plaque and Disease

The primary hazard of oral plaque is the ability of these organisms to lead to tooth and gum disease. The anaerobic bacteria produce acid. This acid can cause demineralization of the tooth's surface, which can lead to cavities. The bacteria can also irritate the gums, which causes periodontal disease, gingivitis and potential tooth loss. Finally, the plaque can harden to form tartar.