Dental Plaque Microflora Quiz

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Which of the following best describes dental plaque?

Hard deposits formed by mineralization of dental plaque

A single pathogenic microorganism causing dental caries and periodontal diseases

A naturally acquired bacterial biofilm that develops on the teeth (correct)

Soft accumulations of bacteria and tissue cells lacking the organized structure of dental plaque

Where is dental plaque observed in the mouth?

On the inner lining of the cheeks

On the biting surfaces of incisors

On the surfaces of the tongue

In the pits and fissures of the teeth (correct)

What is the result of the accumulation of many different species of bacteria forming dental plaque?

Gingivitis

Caries

Periodontal diseases

All of the above (correct)

How is materia alba different from dental plaque?

Materia alba refers to soft accumulations of bacteria and tissue cells lacking the organized structure of dental plaque Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the formation of bacterial plaque?

Poor oral hygiene practices Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes calculus in relation to dental plaque?

It forms by mineralization of dental plaque Signup and view all the answers

What is the dental plaque primarily composed of?

Protein, polysaccharide, lipids, and glycoproteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the color of tartar formed from dental plaque?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of dental plaque based on its relationship to the tooth surface?

Supragingival and subgingival plaque Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the enamel pellicle?

To protect the tooth from demineralization Signup and view all the answers

What are the organisms referred to as the 'primary colonizers' of dental plaque?

Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans, and Actinomyces viscosus Signup and view all the answers

Which factor greatly affects dental plaque formation?

Roughness of enamel Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plaque contains a very different habitat affected by saliva flow, nutrients, and pocket fluid?

Gingival pocket plaque Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structure in the bacterial plaque that is largely composed of calcium and phosphate ions and proteins?

Extracellular matrix Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacterial plaque fluid can be easily removed from the plaque by centrifugation?

Plaque fluid in the absence of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What factor determines the shape of the Stephan curve and causes the pH increases in bacterial plaque?

Saliva flow rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of saliva carbonic anhydrase on bacterial plaque?

Accelerates acid neutralization Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of pH drop in bacterial plaque?

Presence of fermentable carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for the synthesis of extracellular polymers in the adhesion process?

Dietary sucrose Signup and view all the answers

What type of bonding establishes firm anchorage between the bacterium and the surface?

Covalent bonding Signup and view all the answers

What role do spirochetes play in the maturation of dental plaque biofilm?

Contribute to site-to-site differences in plaque composition Signup and view all the answers

Which component contributes to approximately 20-25% of the volume of dental plaque?

Intermicrobial matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is the main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque?

Polysaccharides produced by bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which molecules are thought to contribute to the mediation of bacterial adhesion through hydrogen bonding and interaction with amino acid sidechain groups?

Glucans and fructans Signup and view all the answers

Which element is found in higher concentration in bacterial plaque than in saliva?

Fluorine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main monosaccharide found in hydrolyzed plaques?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fructose polymer is known to be synthesized only by S. mutans?

β2,1-Fructan Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of glucans generally thought to exist?

Water-soluble and insoluble glucans Signup and view all the answers

What elements are the main components of the inorganic composition of plaque?

Calcium, phosphate, and fluorine Signup and view all the answers

What event prevents the pH of the plaque from falling further and stimulates the formation of fluoroapatite during fermentation?

$F^{-}$ release Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of demineralization of inorganic substances in teeth?

Acids produced during the fermentation of carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the molecule formed by the binding of glucose or fructose released by the breakdown of sucrose in the environment?

Dextran Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bacteria is primarily associated with the production of acids that cause demineralization of teeth?

Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of high sucrose content in the diet on plaque matrix?

Formation of large amounts of extracellular polysaccharides glucan and fructan Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary home of bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease?

Within dental plaque Signup and view all the answers

Which type of infection are periodontal diseases considered to be?

'Polymicrobial' infection Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary symptoms of moderate gingivitis?

Swollen and reddened gums that bleed when cleaning teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of extracellular polysaccharides and sugar in plaque residues adhering to the tooth surface?

Trigger the fermentation of carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of an increase in acidity in plaque when consuming carbohydrates?

'Acidogenic' microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of acids produced during the fermentation of carbohydrates on inorganic substances in teeth?

Demineralization Signup and view all the answers

What specific interactions establish firm anchorage between bacterium and surface?

Covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonding Signup and view all the answers

What components mediate the bonding between the bacteria and pellicle?

Specific extracellular components of organisms and complementary receptors on pellicle surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for the synthesis of extracellular polymers in the adhesion process?

Host's dietary sucrose Signup and view all the answers

What molecules are thought to contribute to the mediation of bacterial adhesion through hydrogen bonding and interaction with amino acid sidechain groups?

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

What is the main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque?

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

What type of molecules provide a storage of energy and are synthesized in plaque from dietary sucrose?

Fructans (Levans) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of distinct bacterial species found in dental plaque?

400 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the enamel pellicle?

Provide lubrication during mastication and protect the tooth from demineralization Signup and view all the answers

What is the main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque?

Protein, polysaccharide, lipids, and glycoproteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the color of tartar formed from dental plaque?

White, gray, or light yellow Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria are examples of the 'primary colonizers' of dental plaque?

Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans, and Actinomyces viscosus Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in plaque formation?

Formation of pellicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between materia alba and dental plaque?

Materia alba refers to soft accumulations of bacteria and tissue cells that lack the organized structure of dental plaque. Signup and view all the answers

Where is dental plaque primarily observed in the mouth?

Dental plaque is observed in the pits and fissures of the teeth, pit surfaces of molars and premolars, and in motionless areas in the mouth soft tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary results of the formation of bacterial plaque in the mouth?

The primary results of the formation of bacterial plaque in the mouth are dental caries and periodontal diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the structure of calculus in relation to dental plaque?

Calculus is hard deposits that form by mineralization of dental plaque and is generally covered by a layer of unmineralized plaque. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of extracellular polysaccharides and sugar in plaque residues adhering to the tooth surface?

The primary role of extracellular polysaccharides and sugar in plaque residues is to mediate bacterial adhesion through hydrogen bonding and interaction with amino acid sidechain groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque?

The main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque is extracellular polysaccharides. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH of dental plaque in carious-active individuals?

5.0 Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of the inorganic composition of plaque?

Calcium and phosphate Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary monosaccharides found in hydrolyzed plaques?

Glucose, arabinose, ribose, galactose, and fucose Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fructose polymer synthesized from sucrose-derived fructose in the mouth?

β2,1-Fructan Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria is known to primarily synthesize β-2,1 fructan as an energy store?

S. mutans Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of water-soluble and water-insoluble glucans generally thought to exist?

Mutan and dextran Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary bacterial species found in the gingival pocket plaque?

Anaerobic bacteria species such as Peptostreptococcus, Actinomyces, Propionibacterium, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Selenomonas, and Veillonella Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of plaque fluid that affect bacterial metabolic activity?

Resting plaque fluid and starved plaque fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that determines the shape of the Stephan curve and causes the pH increases in bacterial plaque?

The flow rate of saliva Signup and view all the answers

What type of fluid contains soluble substances and facilitates material exchange between the external environment and the bacterial plaque?

Plaque fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of pH drop in bacterial plaque?

Plaque bacteria composition, presence of fermentable carbohydrates, and diffusion rate of metabolites and substrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of saliva carbonic anhydrase on bacterial plaque?

Accelerating acid neutralization Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the molecule synthesized only by Streptococcus salivarius that turns polarized light to the right?

dextran Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary symptoms of moderate gingivitis?

swelling, reddening, bleeding gums Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of demineralization of inorganic substances in teeth due to the increase of acidity?

acids produced during the fermentation of carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary home of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease?

dental plaque Signup and view all the answers

What are the main effects of acids produced during the fermentation of carbohydrates on inorganic substances in teeth?

demineralization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of extracellular polysaccharides and sugar in plaque residues adhering to the tooth surface?

formation of caries Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of plaque-associated gum disease, often not causing any until an affected tooth becomes loose?

halitosis, pus formation, pain, difficulty in eating Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for the synthesis of extracellular polymers in the adhesion process?

carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of an increase in acidity in plaque when consuming carbohydrates?

fermentation of carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of high sucrose content in the diet on plaque matrix?

large amounts of extracellular polysaccharides glucan and fructan Signup and view all the answers

Dental plaque is a biofilm layer or mass of bacteria that grows on surfaces within the mouth. Dental plaque is a naturally acquired bacterial biofilm that develops on the ______.

teeth Signup and view all the answers

Materia Alba refers to soft accumulations of bacteria and tissue cells that lack the organized structure of dental plaque. Calculus is hard deposits that form by mineralization of dental plaque and is generally covered by a layer of ______ plaque.

unmineralised Signup and view all the answers

It is observed in the pits and fissures of the teeth, pit surfaces of molars and premolars, in motionless areas in the mouth, and on ______ tissue.

soft Signup and view all the answers

Dental caries and periodontal diseases result from the accumulation of many different species of bacteria that form dental plaque. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are not caused by a single pathogenic ______.

microorganism Signup and view all the answers

Dental plaque must be differentiated from other tooth deposits, like materia alba and calculus. Materia Alba refers to soft accumulations of bacteria and tissue cells that lack the organized structure of dental plaque. ______ is hard deposits that form by mineralization of dental plaque.

Calculus Signup and view all the answers

Dental plaque is a biofilm layer or mass of bacteria that grows on surfaces within the mouth. Dental plaque is a naturally acquired bacterial biofilm that develops on the ______.

teeth Signup and view all the answers

Dental plaque contains a small number of epithelial cells, leukocytes, and macrophages, which are contained within an extracellular ______

matrix Signup and view all the answers

With calcification of the plaque, ______ emerges. Depending on the chemicals and cells in its structure, it can be white, gray or light yellow in color

tartar Signup and view all the answers

Plaque can also be classified by its relationship to the tooth surface, as either attached or unattached ______

plaque Signup and view all the answers

The different regions of plaque are significant to different processes associated with diseases of the teeth and periodontium. For example, Marginal plaque causes ______

gingivitis Signup and view all the answers

The enamel pellicle also contains several components derived from the saliva, such as immunoglobulin A, cystatins, histatins, lysozyme, proline-rich and ______ proteins

mucinous Signup and view all the answers

Formation of pellicle is the first step in plaque formation. The salivary components become adsorbed to the surface of the enamel within seconds at a newly cleaned tooth surface. This coating is also referred to as a ______

pellicle Signup and view all the answers

The metabolic residues left by the bacteria active at pH 5.0 are effective in the formation of ______

caries Signup and view all the answers

There is approximately 80% water in the bacterial plaque. 20% of the plaque is solid materials. Proteins are mostly found in solids and constitute 40-50% of the dry weight of the plaque. 13-18% ______

carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Inorganic composition of bacterial plaque contains more calcium and phosphate than ______

saliva Signup and view all the answers

Fluorine concentration in plaque (14-20 ppm) is higher than in ______ (0.01-0.05 ppm)

saliva Signup and view all the answers

Proteins inside the plaque originate from bacteria, saliva or ______ fluid

gum Signup and view all the answers

The bacterial plaque extracellular polysaccharide composition consists of glucose and fructose polymers synthesized by more than 12 ______ species

streptococcal Signup and view all the answers

The microflora of fissures is less diverse than other areas on the tooth surfaces. This is where Gram-positive cocci form plaques in ______ on the surfaces of the premolar and molars.

fissures Signup and view all the answers

The predominant bacteria in the ______ plaque are Gram-positive streptococci and Actinomyces species.

approximal Signup and view all the answers

In the gingival pocket plaque, there are more bacterial species compared to the fissures and the approximal area. Anaerobic bacteria species such as Peptostreptococcus, Actinomyces, Propionibacterium, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Selenomonas and VeilloneIIa are largely and widely found in the ______ pocket.

gingival Signup and view all the answers

The extracellular matrix in bacterial plaque is also called ______ matrix. It is largely composed of calcium and phosphate ions and proteins.

extracellular Signup and view all the answers

Plaque fluid is the part of the bacterial plaque that contains soluble substances, facilitating material exchange between the external environment and the bacterial plaque, and the bacterial plaque and the tooth surface. By means of this liquid, material exchange is provided between the external environment and the bacterial plaque, and the bacterial plaque and the tooth surface. Plaque fluid can be easily removed from the plaque by ______.

centrifugation Signup and view all the answers

The main factor that determines the shape of the Stephan curve and causes the pH increases is the flow rate of ______.

saliva Signup and view all the answers

6 linked glucose polymers are synthesized only by Streptococcus salivarius. Since these polymers turn polarized light to the right, the molecules are called ______.

dextran Signup and view all the answers

Extracellular polysaccharides and caries etiology: Many things cause the formation of caries, but bacterial plaque has a much more important place than others. S. mutans or other species maintain their cariogenic effects inside the ______.

plaque Signup and view all the answers

Due to the acid by-products released during the fermentation of carbohydrates, the resting plate pH will begin to drop and will drop to around 6.3 and 6.8. This low and more acid pH causes the growth and proliferation of acidogenic microorganisms such as streptococci and ______.

lactobacillus Signup and view all the answers

The bacteria in plaque cause tooth decay and ______ disease.

gum Signup and view all the answers

Plaque and dental diseases: Bacteria in plaque can use all fermentable carbohydrates to form acid, thus, almost all sorts of food lead to increase of ______ in plaque.

acidity Signup and view all the answers

The acids that cause tooth demineralization tend to be produced by specific types of bacteria, specifically streptococci mutans and ______.

lactobacilli Signup and view all the answers

Bacteria associated with periodontal diseases generally have ______ activity.

proteolytic Signup and view all the answers

Results of the effects are gingivitis and periodontitis. What are the symptoms of plaque-associated gum disease: Moderate gingivitis: cause more marked swelling and reddening of the gums. The gums often bleed a little when you clean your ______.

teeth Signup and view all the answers

Results of the effects are gingivitis and periodontitis. What are the symptoms of plaque-associated gum disease: Moderate gingivitis: Periodontitis: often does not cause any symptoms until an affected tooth becomes loose. In some cases, symptoms develop and may include: 1)halitosis (bad breath). 2)some pus formation in small pockets between ______ and gums.

teeth Signup and view all the answers

Results of the effects are gingivitis and periodontitis. What are the symptoms of plaque-associated gum disease: Moderate gingivitis: Periodontitis: often does not cause any symptoms until an affected tooth becomes loose. In some cases, symptoms develop and may include: 3)Pain and difficulty in ______.

eating Signup and view all the answers

The bonding between the bacteria and pellicle is mediated by specific extracellular components of organisms and complementary receptors on pellicle surface. The adhesion is turned into irreversible with the synthesis of ______.

extracellular polymers Signup and view all the answers

Glycoproteins from saliva are an important component of the pellicle and incorporated into the developing plaque biofilm. Albumin, probably from crevicular fluid, has been identified as a component of the plaque matrix. The lipid material consists of debris from the membranes of disrupted bacterial and host cells and possibly food debris. ______ produced by bacteria, of which dextran is the predominant form, contribute to the organic portion of the matrix.

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

The host's dietary sucrose is converted by the bacterial enzymes glucosyltransferases and fructosyltransferases to the extracellular polysaccharides, glucans and fructans. Glucans are the homopolysaccharides of glucose and fructans are the homopolysaccharides of fructose. Glucans synthesize from sucrose and of two types: Dextran: serve as energy storage Mutan: acts primarily as a skeleton in the matrix. Glucans can be viscid substances that help anchor the bacteria to the pellicle, as well as stabilize the plaque mass. Fructans (Levans) synthesized in plaque from dietary sucrose. They provide a storage of energy which may be utilized by the microorganisms in time of low sugar supply. Bacteria also use this molecules as a energy source. These molecules hydrophobic groups can interact with amino acid sidechain groups, such as serine, tyrosine, and threonine in the acquired pellicle. ______ include hydrogen bonding, are thought to contribute to the mediation of bacterial adhesion.

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

The material present between the bacteria in the dental plaque is called matrix or intermicrobial matrix. It accounts for approx 20-25% of plaque volume. Three sources may contribute to the intermicrobial matrix: the plaque microorganisms, the saliva, gingival exudates. Degenerating or dead bacteria may also contribute to intermicrobial matrix. Matrix Organic and inorganic SOLIDS approx 20 % and water WATER 70 to 80 % of solid matter, which higher in sub gingival plaque than supra gingival. INORGANIC: Main Calcium and Phosphorus(mostly) magnesium, sodium fluoride(in small amount, higher than saliva) CALCIUM AND PHOSPHATE more on lingual surface of anterior teeth. ORGANIC: Surrounds microorganisms contains carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. ______ present by bacteria, of which dextran is the predominant form, contribute to the organic portion of the matrix.

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Components of the dental pellicle include salivary glycoproteins and albumin, lysozyme, amylase, immunoglobulin A, proline-rich proteins and mucins. Bacterial surface molecules interact with components of the dental pellicle to enable the bacteria to attach or adhere to the pellicle-coated tooth surface. For example Streptococcus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus bacteria have fimbria (hairlike protein)on their cell surface. This proteins bound to the pellicle proteins. ______ are basic molecules of bacterial plaque.

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Glucans synthesize from sucrose and of two types: Dextran: serve as energy storage Mutan: acts primarily as a skeleton in the matrix. Glucans can be viscid substances that help anchor the bacteria to the pellicle, as well as stabilize the plaque mass. ______ synthesize from sucrose and of two types: Dextran: serve as energy storage Mutan: acts primarily as a skeleton in the matrix.

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Dental Plaque Microflora Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes dental plaque?

Where is dental plaque observed in the mouth?

What is the result of the accumulation of many different species of bacteria forming dental plaque?

How is materia alba different from dental plaque?

What leads to the formation of bacterial plaque?

What characterizes calculus in relation to dental plaque?

What is the dental plaque primarily composed of?

What is the color of tartar formed from dental plaque?

What is the classification of dental plaque based on its relationship to the tooth surface?

What is the primary purpose of the enamel pellicle?

What are the organisms referred to as the 'primary colonizers' of dental plaque?

Which factor greatly affects dental plaque formation?

Which type of plaque contains a very different habitat affected by saliva flow, nutrients, and pocket fluid?

What is the name of the structure in the bacterial plaque that is largely composed of calcium and phosphate ions and proteins?

What type of bacterial plaque fluid can be easily removed from the plaque by centrifugation?

What factor determines the shape of the Stephan curve and causes the pH increases in bacterial plaque?

What is the main effect of saliva carbonic anhydrase on bacterial plaque?

What is the main cause of pH drop in bacterial plaque?

What is the primary source of energy for the synthesis of extracellular polymers in the adhesion process?

What type of bonding establishes firm anchorage between the bacterium and the surface?

What role do spirochetes play in the maturation of dental plaque biofilm?

Which component contributes to approximately 20-25% of the volume of dental plaque?

What is the main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque?

Which molecules are thought to contribute to the mediation of bacterial adhesion through hydrogen bonding and interaction with amino acid sidechain groups?

Which element is found in higher concentration in bacterial plaque than in saliva?

What is the main monosaccharide found in hydrolyzed plaques?

Which type of fructose polymer is known to be synthesized only by S. mutans?

What are the two types of glucans generally thought to exist?

What elements are the main components of the inorganic composition of plaque?

What event prevents the pH of the plaque from falling further and stimulates the formation of fluoroapatite during fermentation?

What is the primary cause of demineralization of inorganic substances in teeth?

What is the name of the molecule formed by the binding of glucose or fructose released by the breakdown of sucrose in the environment?

Which type of bacteria is primarily associated with the production of acids that cause demineralization of teeth?

What is the main effect of high sucrose content in the diet on plaque matrix?

What is the primary home of bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease?

Which type of infection are periodontal diseases considered to be?

What are the primary symptoms of moderate gingivitis?

What is the main role of extracellular polysaccharides and sugar in plaque residues adhering to the tooth surface?

What is the primary cause of an increase in acidity in plaque when consuming carbohydrates?

What is the primary effect of acids produced during the fermentation of carbohydrates on inorganic substances in teeth?

What specific interactions establish firm anchorage between bacterium and surface?

What components mediate the bonding between the bacteria and pellicle?

What is the primary source of energy for the synthesis of extracellular polymers in the adhesion process?

What molecules are thought to contribute to the mediation of bacterial adhesion through hydrogen bonding and interaction with amino acid sidechain groups?

What is the main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque?

What type of molecules provide a storage of energy and are synthesized in plaque from dietary sucrose?

What is the estimated number of distinct bacterial species found in dental plaque?

What is the primary role of the enamel pellicle?

What is the main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque?

What is the color of tartar formed from dental plaque?

What type of bacteria are examples of the 'primary colonizers' of dental plaque?

What is the first step in plaque formation?

What is the primary difference between materia alba and dental plaque?

Where is dental plaque primarily observed in the mouth?

What are the primary results of the formation of bacterial plaque in the mouth?

What characterizes the structure of calculus in relation to dental plaque?

What is the primary role of extracellular polysaccharides and sugar in plaque residues adhering to the tooth surface?

What is the main organic constituent of the intermicrobial matrix in dental plaque?

What is the pH of dental plaque in carious-active individuals?

What are the main components of the inorganic composition of plaque?

What are the primary monosaccharides found in hydrolyzed plaques?

What is the name of the fructose polymer synthesized from sucrose-derived fructose in the mouth?

What type of bacteria is known to primarily synthesize β-2,1 fructan as an energy store?

What are the two types of water-soluble and water-insoluble glucans generally thought to exist?

What are the primary bacterial species found in the gingival pocket plaque?

What are the two types of plaque fluid that affect bacterial metabolic activity?

What is the main factor that determines the shape of the Stephan curve and causes the pH increases in bacterial plaque?

What type of fluid contains soluble substances and facilitates material exchange between the external environment and the bacterial plaque?

What is the main cause of pH drop in bacterial plaque?

What is the main effect of saliva carbonic anhydrase on bacterial plaque?

What is the name of the molecule synthesized only by Streptococcus salivarius that turns polarized light to the right?

What are the primary symptoms of moderate gingivitis?

What is the primary cause of demineralization of inorganic substances in teeth due to the increase of acidity?

What is the primary home of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease?

What are the main effects of acids produced during the fermentation of carbohydrates on inorganic substances in teeth?

What is the primary role of extracellular polysaccharides and sugar in plaque residues adhering to the tooth surface?

What are the symptoms of plaque-associated gum disease, often not causing any until an affected tooth becomes loose?