Dental Plaque and Caries

Dimas, Ma. Cristina

Gumpal, Kathreen Lara
Dental Plaque
is a sticky, colorless or pale yellow film that is
constantly forming on your teeth. When saliva,
food and fluids combine, plaque - which contains
bacteria - forms between your teeth and along
the gum line.
Dental plaque begins forming on teeth 4-12
hours after brushing, which is why it is so
important to brush thoroughly at least twice a
day and floss daily.
Dental Caries
Also called Tooth Decay or
Cavities.
is caused by the action of acids on the enamel
surface. The acid is produced when sugars
(mainly sucrose) in foods or drinks react with
bacteria present in the dental biofilm (plaque)
on the tooth surface. The acid produced leads
to a loss of calcium and phosphate from the
enamel; this process is called demineralisation.
what causes of cavities?
Caries Balance
Methods to Determine Caries Risk
Assessment

Toothache

Tooth Sensitivity

Mild to sharp pain when eating and drinking

something sweet, hot or cold

Visible holes and pits in your teeth

Black, brown and white staining on any surface of a

tooth

Pain when you bite down

Test & Diagnosis
Asking about tooth pain and sensitivity

Examining your teeth and mouth

Probing the teeth with dental instruments to check for

soft tissues

Looking at dental X-rays, which can show the

extent of cavities and decay
Thank you, 😊