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Questions and Answers
What is dental plaque primarily classified as?
What is dental plaque primarily classified as?
Which type of dental plaque is attached directly to the tooth surface?
Which type of dental plaque is attached directly to the tooth surface?
What triggers the initial attachment of bacteria to the tooth surface?
What triggers the initial attachment of bacteria to the tooth surface?
What process allows bacteria within a biofilm to communicate and adapt to their environment?
What process allows bacteria within a biofilm to communicate and adapt to their environment?
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What kind of environment promotes the secondary colonization of bacteria in a plaque biofilm?
What kind of environment promotes the secondary colonization of bacteria in a plaque biofilm?
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What is the role of the extracellular slime layer in a dental plaque biofilm?
What is the role of the extracellular slime layer in a dental plaque biofilm?
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Which strain of bacteria is NOT typically involved in the initial colonization of dental plaque?
Which strain of bacteria is NOT typically involved in the initial colonization of dental plaque?
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What shapes do mature biofilm colonies often take?
What shapes do mature biofilm colonies often take?
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Which of the following describes the primary function of glycocalyx in a biofilm?
Which of the following describes the primary function of glycocalyx in a biofilm?
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What is NOT a characteristic of mature dental plaque biofilm?
What is NOT a characteristic of mature dental plaque biofilm?
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Which of the following components is NOT found in the inorganic constituents of dental plaque biofilm?
Which of the following components is NOT found in the inorganic constituents of dental plaque biofilm?
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Which bacterium is primarily associated with the progression of periodontal disease?
Which bacterium is primarily associated with the progression of periodontal disease?
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What type of bacterial structure is involved in adhesion to host tissues in dental plaque biofilm?
What type of bacterial structure is involved in adhesion to host tissues in dental plaque biofilm?
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Which method is NOT commonly recommended for the removal of dental plaque biofilm?
Which method is NOT commonly recommended for the removal of dental plaque biofilm?
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What is a primary component of the endotoxin structure found in some bacteria associated with dental plaque?
What is a primary component of the endotoxin structure found in some bacteria associated with dental plaque?
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Which of the following components is considered an organic element of dental plaque biofilm?
Which of the following components is considered an organic element of dental plaque biofilm?
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Which Gram-negative bacteria is recognized for its anaerobic metabolism associated with periodontal disease?
Which Gram-negative bacteria is recognized for its anaerobic metabolism associated with periodontal disease?
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Which factor primarily diminishes the host's ability to defend against bacterial infection in the context of dental plaque?
Which factor primarily diminishes the host's ability to defend against bacterial infection in the context of dental plaque?
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What occurs during the initial colonization of dental plaque biofilm?
What occurs during the initial colonization of dental plaque biofilm?
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Which of the following statements about quorum sensing is true?
Which of the following statements about quorum sensing is true?
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Which organism is NOT typically a part of the initial colonization in dental plaque biofilm?
Which organism is NOT typically a part of the initial colonization in dental plaque biofilm?
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What type of bacterial association can be found in mature biofilm?
What type of bacterial association can be found in mature biofilm?
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In what way does the extracellular slime layer contribute to bacterial survival?
In what way does the extracellular slime layer contribute to bacterial survival?
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Which of the following describes the primary locations where dental plaque can be found?
Which of the following describes the primary locations where dental plaque can be found?
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What is the role of salivary proteins in the formation of dental plaque?
What is the role of salivary proteins in the formation of dental plaque?
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During which stage do secondary colonizers adhere to primary colonizers in dental plaque formation?
During which stage do secondary colonizers adhere to primary colonizers in dental plaque formation?
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What characterizes the pellicle in relation to plaque development?
What characterizes the pellicle in relation to plaque development?
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Study Notes
Dental Plaque as Biofilm
- Dental plaque is a biofilm, a structured community of microorganisms embedded within an extracellular glycocalyx (slime layer) which builds up on natural and restored solid surfaces in the oral cavity.
- This community forms on natural and restored tooth surfaces in the oral cavity.
Classification of Dental Plaque
- Dental plaque can be classified by its location:
- Tooth-attached
- Unattached
- Tissue-attached
Formation of Dental Plaque Biofilm
- Initial Attachment: Bacteria initially attach to a pellicle, a thin, sticky coating of salivary proteins that forms on tooth surfaces minutes after brushing, enabling bacterial attachment.
- Initial Colonization: New bacteria, including Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus salivarius, colonize the tooth surface.
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Genetic Changes & Communication: Bacteria communicate through:
- Cell-to-cell communication
- Gene transfer
- Chemical signaling (quorum sensing), allowing behaviour changes and adaptation to the environment.
- Secondary Colonization: An extracellular slime layer forms, primarily produced by Streptococcus species through extracellular polysaccharides like dextrans and glucans to support adhesion and provide a food source; as oxygen levels decrease, secondary colonizers co-aggregate with primary colonizers.
- Mature Biofilm: Bacteria form mushroom-shaped micro-colonies, creating a self-sufficient community with its own food supply and waste removal mechanisms.
Extracellular Slime Layer Role
- The extracellular slime layer acts as a protective barrier, shielding bacteria from antibiotics, antimicrobials, the immune system, and mouthwash.
Contents of Dental Plaque Biofilm
- Inorganic: Calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium
- Organic: Polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, lipids, intracellular matrix
Common Dental Diseases Caused by Dental Plaque Biofilm
- Porphyromonas gingivalis
- Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
- Treponema denticola
Bacterial Virulence Factors
- Bacterial Adhesion: Fimbriae, pili contribute to attachment.
- Endotoxins: Lipopolysaccharide (a major component of the cell wall).
- Bacterial Enzymes: Breakdown collagen fibres, increase epithelial tissue permeability, and reduce host cell defense.
Methods for Dental Plaque Biofilm Removal
- Tooth brushing
- Interdental cleaning
- Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal (PMPR)
Bacterial Types in Dental Plaque
- Gram-positive Bacteria (facultative): Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Actinomyces viscosus
- Gram-negative Bacteria (anaerobic): Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia
- Gram-negative Bacteria (facultative): Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Eikenella corrodens
- Spirochetes: Treponema denticola
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Description
Test your knowledge on dental plaque as a biofilm, including its classification, formation, and the microorganisms involved. This quiz covers the stages of biofilm development and the communication methods among bacteria. Perfect for dental students or those interested in oral health!
