How does bacteria in dental plaque impact oral health?

How does bacteria in dental plaque impact oral health?

Plaque allows bacteria to stick to the teeth longer, eventually producing acids. These acids wear down tooth enamel and cause cavities. The bacteria that hangs around your gum produces similar toxic products that enter gum tissue, causing gingivitis.

How does plaque cause tooth decay?

Plaque attacks. The acids in plaque remove minerals in your tooth’s hard, outer enamel. This erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel — the first stage of cavities. Once areas of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin.

How do bacteria cause tooth decay?

The bacteria in plaque use the sugar and starch in what you eat and drink to make acids. The acids begin to eat away at the minerals on your enamel. Over time, the plaque can harden into tartar. Besides damaging your teeth, plaque and tartar can also irritate your gums and cause gum disease.

Which bacteria contributes to dental plaque?

Bacteria. The bulk of the microorganisms that form the biofilm are Streptococcus mutans and other anaerobes, though the precise composition varies by location in the mouth. Examples of such anaerobes include fusobacterium and actinobacteria.

What is the significance of dental plaque to oral health?

How Can Plaque on Teeth Affect My Oral Health? Plaque is the root cause of many oral health issues. First, plaque can contribute to bad breath and can make your teeth look dingy and yellow. More importantly, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel causing cavities.

Which deficiency causes brittle bones and tooth decay?

Fluoride deficiency can cause tooth and bone weakness. In the body, most fluoride is contained in bones and teeth. Fluoride is necessary for the formation and health of bones and teeth.

How can I remove plaque from my teeth without going to the dentist?

Clean using Baking soda– A mixture of baking soda and salt is an effective home remedy for dental calculus removal. Brushing your teeth with baking soda and salt softens the calculus, making it easy to remove. The mixture should smoothly be scrubbed on the teeth by using a toothbrush.

What causes plaque to build up on the gums?

It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss. Our mouths are full of bacteria.

What are the role of bacteria in dental plaque?

Recent studies have described bacterial complexes that are present in subgingival plaque and these studies are likely to help in current understanding of the complex ecology observed in dental plaque biofilm (Socransky, Haffajee et al. 1998). Bacterial interactions play important roles in species survival.

How does sugar and plaque cause tooth decay?

The bacteria within the plaque feed on sugar in the diet. When exposed to sugar, the bacteria within plague secrete acid as a byproduct which decalcifies the tooth and eventually causes decay. Proper oral hygiene through brushing, flossing, rinsing and routine dental visits will reduce the accumulation of plaque and its cavity causing effects.

What does gum disease do to your teeth?

Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the gums and can affect the bone structure that supports your teeth.