1.0Glossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossaryGlossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/author/adminglossary/rich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="x8PBtjio5h"><a href="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/dental-plaque/">Dental plaque</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/dental-plaque/embed/#?secret=x8PBtjio5h" width="600" height="338" title="“Dental plaque” — Glossary" data-secret="x8PBtjio5h" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script> /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js </script> A film that attaches to teeth, often causing dental caries and gingivitis. It is composed of mucins, secreted from salivary glands, and microorganisms.A sticky transparent film on the surface of the teeth or other oral structures consisting of colonies of bacteria and sugar as a nutrient for the bacteria. As the bacteria grow and reproduce into large numbers, they produce an acid that attacks the tooth enamel, decalcifying it and resulting in the beginning of a dental carie.A hard smooth bacterial deposit on teeth, which is the probable cause of caries.A sticky deposit of bacteria, saliva, and food debris that forms on the teeth, particularly in the spaces between the teeth and gums. When plaque accumulates and hardens on the teeth, it forms calculus. Plaque is the primary cause of tooth decay and periodontal disease, which can lead to losing the teeth. It must be removed every day by brushing the teeth and using dental floss to prevent it from building up. Because plaque is colorless and odorless, it can be detected only when it is stained with disclosing agents. The agents temporarily stain the teeth where plaque has formed so that a person can see where the plaque needs to be removed. Good oral hygiene is the best approach to preventing the damage that plaque can cause.A biofilm that accumulates and grows on the crowns of teeth. Plaque is colorless, transparent, and the forerunner of dental caries and periodontal disease. Measures to prevent plaque buildup include daily self-care of the teeth, careful use of dental floss, and periodic prophylaxis by a dentist or dental hygienist.A coarse, adhesive layer that forms on teeth, comprising saliva, bacteria, and remnants of food. This coating is primarily responsible for tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis), and serves as the foundation for the formation of a solid deposit.Certain microorganisms present in plaque, especially the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, metabolize sugar within the remnants of carbohydrate-rich food adhering to the mucus. This process produces an acidic substance that can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel.