Dental Plaque Biofilm Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary function of the salivary pellicle?

To detoxify plaque acids

To provide nutrients to bacteria

To protect enamel from acid (correct)

To remove bacteria from tooth surfaces

Which of the following bacteria are classified as primary colonizers on tooth surfaces?

Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcus mutans (correct)

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus sanguis (correct)

What process do bacteria use to communicate and coordinate their behavior in biofilms?

Quorum sensing (correct)

Nutrient sensing

Gene expression regulation

Cellular respiration

What is the role of initial bacterial attachment to the pellicle?

To activate specific genes Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the salivary pellicle layer formed shortly after cleaning?

It is a thin coating of salivary proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of biofilm?

It contains communities of microorganisms embedded in a glycocalyx. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial phase of dental plaque biofilm formation?

Initial attachment of bacteria to pellicle. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the mature biofilm phase?

Bacteria form mushroom-shaped colonies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a phase of dental plaque biofilm formation?

Free-floating aggregation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environment for free-floating bacteria to begin biofilm formation?

In the mouth. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common types of bacteria associated with dental caries?

Streptococcus mutans Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT a primary constituent of dental plaque biofilm?

Fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bacteria is a Gram-negative organism associated with periodontal disease?

Porphyromonas gingivalis Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial for the successful removal of dental plaque?

Friction during brushing Signup and view all the answers

What are virulence factors in the context of bacterial infections?

Mechanisms that help bacteria colonize and damage tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a major component of the intra-cellular matrix of dental plaque?

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterial species is primarily responsible for strict anaerobic environments in periodontal disease?

Fusobacterium nucleatum Signup and view all the answers

Which inorganic element is commonly found in dental plaque biofilm?

Phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the extracellular slime layer in bacterial colonies?

To act as a protective barrier surrounding the colony Signup and view all the answers

What role do fluid channels in a biofilm play?

They facilitate nutrient and waste movement within the colony Signup and view all the answers

What happens during secondary colonization in bacterial biofilms?

Primary colonizers begin to deplete oxygen, making room for anaerobes Signup and view all the answers

What is typically observed during a bacterial bloom?

Periods of accelerated bacterial growth Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason plaque tends to form in specific areas of the tooth?

Less mechanical cleaning action from brushing Signup and view all the answers

How do primary facultative colonizers and secondary colonizers interact in biofilm formation?

Secondary colonizers attach to primary colonizers, causing coaggregation Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic shape of mature bacterial colonies in a biofilm?

Mushroom shaped Signup and view all the answers

What critical process is involved in bacterial communication within biofilms?

Chemical signaling Signup and view all the answers

What defines dental plaque as a biofilm?

Bacterial aggregations on teeth or solid oral structures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most common dental disease caused by dental plaque biofilm?

Caries Signup and view all the answers

What function does the extracellular slime layer serve in dental plaque biofilm?

Protects bacterial colonies from dehydration Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of dental plaque biofilm refers to the plaque located above the gum line?

Supragingival Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT typically found in dental plaque biofilm?

Oxygen-rich fluids Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the composition of dental plaque biofilm in supra- versus subgingival environments?

The availability of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What role do bacterial virulence factors play in oral health?

Enhance bacterial survival and pathogenicity Signup and view all the answers

Which dental procedure is appropriate for removing dental plaque biofilm?

Regular brushing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plaque biofilm is characterized by bacteria attached to tooth structures without any associated tissue?

Unaattached plaque Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of periodontal disease on dental health?

Causes inflammation and potential tooth loss Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dental Plaque Biofilm Definition

Dental plaque is defined as a biofilm that adheres to the tooth surface or other surfaces in the oral cavity.
Biofilm is an aggregation of microorganisms embedded in glycocalyx, a glycoprotein matrix.

Classification of Dental Plaque

Supra vs Sub:
- Supra-gingival plaque is above the gum line.
- Sub-gingival plaque is below the gum line.
- Sub-gingival plaque is more likely to contain anaerobic bacteria due to limited oxygen.
Tooth Attached vs. Unattached:
- Tooth-attached plaque is more resilient and adapts easier.
- Unattached plaque is more damaging.

Formation of Dental Plaque Biofilm

Plaque forms in four phases:
- Initial attachment of bacteria to pellicle:
  - Pellicle is a thin coating of salivary proteins that forms a protective layer on enamel.
- Initial colonization of the tooth surface:
  - New bacteria join the pellicle.
- Secondary colonization:
  - Extracellular slime layer forms.
- Mature biofilm:
  - Mushroom-shaped colonies allow for self-survival.
  - Fluid channels facilitate nutrient and waste exchange within the colony.

Extracellular Slime Layer Formation

Primary colonizers, like facultative bacteria, deplete oxygen, creating an anaerobic environment for secondary colonizers to thrive.
Secondary colonizers attach to primary colonizers in a process called coaggregation.
The growing bacteria begin to grow away from the tooth surface, marking the initiation of a 'bacterial bloom.'

Composition of Dental Plaque Biofilm

Consists of both organic and inorganic components:
- Organic Components:
  - Microorganisms:
    - Bacteria:
      - Gram +ve: Streptococcus Mutans, Streptococcus Sanguis, Actinomyces Viscosus
      - Gram -ve: Actinomyces Actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Ekinella Corrodens, Fusobacterium Nucleatum, Prevotella Intermedia, Tannerella Denticola
      - Spirochetes: Treponema denticola
  - Polysaccharides, Proteins, Glycoproteins, Lipids
- Inorganic Components:
  - Calcium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium

Bacterial Virulence Factors

Enable biofilm to colonize, invade, and damage tissue.
Virulence factors are structural characteristics of the bacteria or produced substances.

Removal of Dental Plaque Biofilm

Physical removal is primarily achieved through mechanical means:
- Brushing: Physical contact and friction with the biofilm.
- Flossing: Removes plaque and bacteria from interdental spaces.
- Dental cleaning: Professionally using instruments to remove plaque and calculus.

Common Dental Diseases Caused by Dental Plaque Biofilm

Caries: Tooth decay caused by bacteria that produce acid through sugar metabolism.
Periodontitis: Inflammation and destruction of the gum tissue, bone, and supporting structures caused by bacteria.

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Description

This quiz explores the definition, classification, and formation of dental plaque biofilms. Understand the differences between supra and sub-gingival plaque, as well as tooth-attached and unattached plaque. Test your knowledge about the stages involved in biofilm formation and their implications for oral health.