Dental plaque
Adhesive layers lying on the surface of tooth enamel and formed by the accumulation of microorganisms and their waste products are called plaque. Most often, plaque is fixed on the crown of the tooth, along and below the edge of the gum. Dentists call plaque an unmiralized dental deposit, which can develop regardless of age. It is a fairly stable substance, covered with a mucoid film, indelible water and saliva. It is noteworthy that a few hours after the plaque is removed, it begins to reappear.
THE REASONS PROVOKING THE FORMATION OF PLAQUE
It is noticed that plaque is formed at the moment of rest of the chewing apparatus and in the absence of proper dental care. The degree and rate of plaque formation on the teeth can be regulated due to proper and careful observance of hygiene standards, the sanitation condition of the dentition, on which the contamination of the oral cavity with microbes largely depends. Also, the degree and speed of plaque formation are influenced by factors such as the processes of natural self-cleaning of teeth, including the features of the diet, the intensity of chewing, the viscosity of saliva and its amount, as well as some other factors.
It is also noted that the plaque of teeth is formed most quickly during sleep, with excessive consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods, as well as foods with a high protein content.
TYPES OF PLAQUE (CLASSIFICATION)
Depending on the anatomical and topographic localization, plaque is divided into:
On zubodesnevaya.
To the proximal one.
On the subgingival-the tooth is fixed.
On the epithelial-attached.
Loose subgingival plaque occurs in the gingival groove.
By localization, it is customary to distinguish between the supradingival (lying on open dental surfaces) plaque and the subgingival (lying below the gingival margin).
SYMPTOMS OF PLAQUE
Plaque is manifested by the following symptoms:
Loss of gloss of tooth enamel.
Changing the color of tooth enamel.
Bad breath.
A feeling of roughness on the teeth.
Formation of whitish or slightly yellow viscous masses that cover the dental surface.
As a rule, plaque is most often fixed in the cervical region of the crown, around fillings and dentures, in the interdental spaces and on the fissures of the chewing surfaces.
In smokers, plaque develops in the form of brown plaque. Such a color plaque can acquire and with a large number of seals made of copper amalgam.
Pigmented plaque can also form with frequent use of coffee and strong tea.
With some candidiasis, green plaque can also develop in the oral cavity.
Plaque that is not removed for a long time calcifies over time and leads to the formation of tartar, can cause the development of pulpitis and caries.
DIAGNOSIS OF PLAQUE
Diagnosis of this condition can also be carried out at home using a conventional mirror or during an examination at the dentist. When identifying dental deposits, it is necessary to determine the degree of their mineralization (soft plaque, tartar). Sometimes plaque can be stained with special dyes for its visualization.
DENTAL PLAQUE TREATMENT
Timely and properly carried out treatment of plaque significantly heals the dental cavity and prevents the development of certain diseases of the gums and teeth.
The simplest, and perhaps the most effective way to combat this condition is thorough and regular brushing of teeth with pastes and brushes. Dense dental plaque and plaque caused by tobacco smoking can be cleaned off with hard brushes and special toothpastes.
In cases of massive plaque detection or when it develops in hard-to-reach places, you should contact a dentist for professional dental cleaning. Today, such a procedure is carried out using a variety of effective methods.
