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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of quorum sensing in bacteria?
What is the purpose of quorum sensing in bacteria?
What occurs during secondary colonization in biofilm formation?
What occurs during secondary colonization in biofilm formation?
What is a characteristic feature of mature biofilms?
What is a characteristic feature of mature biofilms?
How does the extracellular slime layer benefit bacterial colonies?
How does the extracellular slime layer benefit bacterial colonies?
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What is the role of fluid channels in a biofilm?
What is the role of fluid channels in a biofilm?
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Which type of colonizers are typically found in the initial stages of biofilm formation?
Which type of colonizers are typically found in the initial stages of biofilm formation?
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What does the term 'bacterial bloom' refer to?
What does the term 'bacterial bloom' refer to?
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In which areas of the tooth crown is plaque least likely to accumulate?
In which areas of the tooth crown is plaque least likely to accumulate?
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Which type of bacteria is commonly associated with periodontal disease?
Which type of bacteria is commonly associated with periodontal disease?
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What is a primary component of the intra-cellular matrix in dental plaque biofilm?
What is a primary component of the intra-cellular matrix in dental plaque biofilm?
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Which of the following bacterial species is NOT associated with caries?
Which of the following bacterial species is NOT associated with caries?
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What structural characteristic can function as a virulence factor in bacteria?
What structural characteristic can function as a virulence factor in bacteria?
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Which of the following elements is NOT a component of inorganic substances found in dental plaque?
Which of the following elements is NOT a component of inorganic substances found in dental plaque?
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What is a primary challenge faced in the removal of dental plaque?
What is a primary challenge faced in the removal of dental plaque?
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Which of the following is a facultative anaerobic bacterium found in dental plaque?
Which of the following is a facultative anaerobic bacterium found in dental plaque?
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What role do virulence factors play in bacteria associated with dental diseases?
What role do virulence factors play in bacteria associated with dental diseases?
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What is dental plaque primarily defined as?
What is dental plaque primarily defined as?
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Which component is NOT typically found in dental plaque biofilm?
Which component is NOT typically found in dental plaque biofilm?
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Which type of dental plaque is located above the gum line?
Which type of dental plaque is located above the gum line?
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What role does the extracellular slime layer play in dental plaque biofilm?
What role does the extracellular slime layer play in dental plaque biofilm?
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What is the most common dental disease associated with dental plaque biofilm?
What is the most common dental disease associated with dental plaque biofilm?
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Which classification describes plaque located at the gum line?
Which classification describes plaque located at the gum line?
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What aspect of bacterial plaque biofilm can influence plaque composition?
What aspect of bacterial plaque biofilm can influence plaque composition?
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Which of the following is a method for removing dental plaque biofilm?
Which of the following is a method for removing dental plaque biofilm?
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Which factor is NOT typically associated with bacterial virulence in plaque biofilm?
Which factor is NOT typically associated with bacterial virulence in plaque biofilm?
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Which of the following statements about dental plaque biofilm formation is true?
Which of the following statements about dental plaque biofilm formation is true?
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What is the main function of the 'pellicle' in the process of dental plaque biofilm formation?
What is the main function of the 'pellicle' in the process of dental plaque biofilm formation?
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Which of these bacterial species is NOT a primary colonizer of the tooth surface in the formation of dental plaque biofilm?
Which of these bacterial species is NOT a primary colonizer of the tooth surface in the formation of dental plaque biofilm?
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What is the significance of 'quorum sensing' in the process of dental plaque biofilm formation?
What is the significance of 'quorum sensing' in the process of dental plaque biofilm formation?
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What is the primary reason for the formation of an 'extracellular slime layer' during the secondary colonization phase of dental plaque biofilm formation?
What is the primary reason for the formation of an 'extracellular slime layer' during the secondary colonization phase of dental plaque biofilm formation?
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Which of the following characteristics describes the mature dental plaque biofilm?
Which of the following characteristics describes the mature dental plaque biofilm?
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What is the role of the 'glycocalyx' in the structure of a dental plaque biofilm?
What is the role of the 'glycocalyx' in the structure of a dental plaque biofilm?
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What is the primary source of free-floating bacteria that initiate the formation of a dental plaque biofilm?
What is the primary source of free-floating bacteria that initiate the formation of a dental plaque biofilm?
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Which phase of dental plaque biofilm formation is characterized by the attachment of bacteria to the tooth surface?
Which phase of dental plaque biofilm formation is characterized by the attachment of bacteria to the tooth surface?
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Flashcards
Salivary pellicle
Salivary pellicle
A thin film of proteins that forms on tooth surfaces.
Quorum Sensing
Quorum Sensing
A process allowing bacteria to communicate and respond to population density.
Secondary colonisation
Secondary colonisation
The attachment of new bacterial species to existing ones in a biofilm.
Extracellular slime layer
Extracellular slime layer
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Mature biofilm
Mature biofilm
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Fluid Channels in biofilm
Fluid Channels in biofilm
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Bacterial Bloom
Bacterial Bloom
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Protective barrier
Protective barrier
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Dental Plaque Biofilm Composition
Dental Plaque Biofilm Composition
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Gram-positive Bacteria
Gram-positive Bacteria
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Streptococcus mutans
Streptococcus mutans
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Periodontal Disease Bacteria
Periodontal Disease Bacteria
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Bacterial Virulence Factors
Bacterial Virulence Factors
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Physical Plaque Removal
Physical Plaque Removal
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Anaerobic Bacteria
Anaerobic Bacteria
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Lipids in Dental Plaque
Lipids in Dental Plaque
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Dental Plaque
Dental Plaque
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Biofilm
Biofilm
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Formation of Dental Plaque
Formation of Dental Plaque
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Contents of Dental Plaque Biofilm
Contents of Dental Plaque Biofilm
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Common Dental Disease
Common Dental Disease
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Supra-gingival plaque
Supra-gingival plaque
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Sub-gingival plaque
Sub-gingival plaque
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Classifications of Dental Plaque
Classifications of Dental Plaque
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Stages of Biofilm Formation
Stages of Biofilm Formation
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Pellicle
Pellicle
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Primary Colonizers
Primary Colonizers
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Unattached Plaque
Unattached Plaque
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Tooth Attached Plaque
Tooth Attached Plaque
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Study Notes
Dental Plaque Biofilm
- Dental plaque is now known as a biofilm.
- Biofilms are soft deposits that adhere to tooth surfaces and other oral hard surfaces.
- This includes both removable and fixed oral restorations.
- Another definition is bacterial aggregations on teeth or other solid oral structures.
- Biofilms are a complex structure that results from sequential colonization of microorganisms on tooth surfaces.
- The biofilm is made up of components like salivary elements, mucin, desquamated epithelial cells, debris, and microorganisms embedded in an extracellular matrix.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Students should be able to define dental plaque as a biofilm.
- Students should be able to classify dental plaque based on location.
- Students should be able to describe the formation of dental plaque biofilm.
- Students should be able to explain the role of the extra-cellular slime layer in ensuring bacterial survival.
- Students should be able to describe the contents of dental plaque biofilm.
- Students should be able to identify the most common dental diseases caused by plaque biofilm.
- Students should be able to discuss bacterial virulence factors.
- Students should be able to discuss appropriate methods for removing dental plaque biofilm.
Bacteria
- Images show the presence of plaque on teeth and redness of the gums.
- Images show health and ill conditions of oral health through the visuals.
Links to Other Subjects
- This subject is related to pathogenesis of periodontal disease.
- This subject is related to reasons why treatment for periodontal disease may fail.
- This subject is related to inflammation and its classifications in periodontal disease
- This subject is related to caries and its management.
- This subject is part of the year 2 dental specialities.
- This subject is related to fissure sealants.
Dental Plaque Biofilm - Most Common Diseases
- Plaque biofilm can cause tooth decay (caries).
- Cavities are deeper forms of tooth decay.
- Periodontitis is another common disease caused by plaque biofilm.
- Periodontitis involves inflammation, plaque and calculus on teeth.
Classification of Dental Plaque Biofilm
- Plaque can be classified as supra-gingival, sub-gingival, coronal, marginal, or fissural.
- The environment around these classifications can indicate different bacteria or organisms.
Biofilm Definition
- Biofilms consist of multiple communities of microorganisms.
- They are embedded in a glycocalyx (glycoprotein matrix).
- Biofilms are usually attached to solid surfaces.
Formation of Dental Plaque Biofilm
- The formation of dental plaque biofilm involves four phases.
- Initial attachment occurs when bacteria attach to a pellicle.
- The next phase involves the initial colonization of the tooth surface.
- Secondary colonization includes the formation of an extracellular slime layer.
- Mature biofilm forms mushroom-shaped colonies.
Free-Floating Bacteria
- Biofilm formation begins when free-floating bacteria contact appropriate surfaces and attach.
- This is often described as the bacteria 'putting down roots'.
Initial Attachment of Bacteria to Pellicle
- Pellicle forms within a few hours of cleaning.
- This layer contains salivary proteins that adhere to the tooth surface.
- The pellicle creates a surface for further bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.
- Its role is to protect the tooth from acids and acts like an adhesive.
Primary Colonizers
- Primary colonizers include Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus salivarius.
Initial Colonization of the Tooth Surface
- Bacteria can attach to surfaces and interact with each other.
- These interactions stimulate gene activation and intercellular communication through quorum sensing.
Quorum Sensing
- Quorum sensing is the cell-to-cell communication mechanism used by bacteria.
- It involves density-dependent interactions with signalling molecules.
- This regulation affects gene expression, resulting in group behavior in the bacterial population.
Secondary Colonization: Extracellular Slime Layer Formation
- Bacteria produce an extracellular slime layer.
- Primary facultative bacteria use up the oxygen, thus allowing for anaerobic bacteria to enter the system.
- Secondary colonizers attach to primary colonisers through co-aggregation.
- Bacteria grow away from the tooth.
- The growing biofilm phase involves bacterial blooms.
Mature Biofilm – Mushroom-Shaped Colonies
- Mature biofilm forms mushroom-shaped colonies.
- This structure allows for self-sustenance.
- Fluid channels are an integral part of this phase for food supply and waste removal within the community.
Extra-cellular Slime Layer
- The extracellular slime layer forms a protective layer for the colony.
- Fluids travel through the channels to circulate nutrients within the community.
- Materials like nutrients (e.g., oxygen), waste products, metabolites, and enzymes move through these channels to support the biofilm colony.
Now Visualize
- Images show the components of the mature biofilm such as bacterial micro-colonies, extracellular slime layer, and tooth surfaces.
- Dental pellicle and extracellular slime layer are key components surrounding the teeth and creating regions for bacterial colonies to reside.
Why does plaque form in the areas it does?
- The location of dental plaque might be linked to factors such as specific tooth contours or differences in the oral environment.
Where on the crown are you least likely to see plaque?
- There may be specific areas on the crown with reduced plaque formation due to either surface contours or flow of saliva
Supra vs Sub:
- Dental plaque can form above and below the gumline.
- Differences exist between the supra-gingival and sub-gingival environments, impacting the nature of bacteria.
- Gram-positive, aerobic bacteria are prevalent in supra-gingival areas.
- Gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria tend towards sub-gingival locations.
Composition of Dental Plaque Biofilm:
- Biofilms are composed of both organic and inorganic components.
- Organic components of the biofilm include polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, and lipids.
- Inorganic components include calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Micro-organisms within the biofilm consist of bacteria, with types like facultative and anaerobic species.
- Examples of common bacteria include Streptococcus mutans, various Streptococci (e.g., sanguis), and Actinomyces species.
Micro-organisms and Oral Disease
- Certain micro-organisms are strongly linked to oral diseases.
- Examples include organisms associated with periodontal disease.
Bacteria associated with Periodontal Disease
- Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Treponema denticola are linked to periodontal disease.
Bacteria associated with Caries
- Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli are linked to dental caries.
Bacterial Virulence Factors:
- Virulence factors are mechanisms used by the bacteria to colonize, invade and damage tissue.
- The virulence mechanisms can either be structural or substance related.
Removal of Dental Plaque
- Plaque can be removed by physical means.
- Professionals often need to consider challenges when removing plaque.
- Methods like mouthwash and brushing are common at-home removal methods
Physical Plaque Removal
- Methods to remove plaque include contacting the biofilm, friction, and physical removal.
- Professionals need to understand how physical removal methods impact a biofilm.
Further Reading
- Provide links to available research materials dealing with further reading.
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Description
Test your understanding of dental plaque as a biofilm. This quiz will cover definitions, classifications, and the formation of biofilms. You'll also explore the role of the extracellular matrix in bacterial survival.
