Plaque
Dental plaque is a common causative factor for caries and periodontal disease.
Dental plaque is an almost colourless sticky bacterial film, which adheres to the tooth surface. It is not removed by rinsing with water.
The accumulation of dental plaque around the gum margin leads to the development of gingivitis in most people. The longer the plaque is left, the greater the risk of gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterised by inflamed, reddened gums which bleed easily during normal toothbrushing. Daily careful plaque removal is required to prevent gingivitis.
Plaque is also involved in causing dental decay. When foods containing sugars are eaten the bacteria in plaque break down the sugars and acid is produced (see page 12). This acid then dissolves the surface of the enamel under the plaque causing dental decay (caries). There are many factors which influence this process and these will be dealt with in Chapter 3.
Plaque is difficult to see and therefore can be difficult to remove. A special dye in the form of a disclosing tablet can be used to stain the plaque making it easier to see. These tablets are available in most chemists.
