Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sticky, colorless or pale yellow film that forms on teeth: Dental plaque is a soft deposit that adheres to tooth surfaces, consisting mainly of bacteria, their byproducts, and a matrix of salivary proteins and sugars.
   • A primary cause of oral diseases: It is a key factor in the development of dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) diseases.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove dental plaque.
  • If dental plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar.
  • The dentist explained that dental plaque contains bacteria that produce acids harmful to tooth enamel.

Advanced Usage

• "Plaque control": Refers to the methods used to remove or manage dental plaque.
  • Good plaque control is the foundation of preventive dentistry.
• "Plaque accumulation": Describes the buildup of plaque on teeth.
  • Plaque accumulation along the gumline can lead to gingivitis.

Variants and Related Words

• Plaque (n): Often used as a shortened, more common form of "dental plaque."
  • You have some plaque on your back teeth.
• Bacterial plaque (n): A more specific synonym emphasizing its bacterial composition.
• Biofilm (n): The technical term for a community of microorganisms, like plaque, adhering to a surface.

Synonyms

• Tooth plaque
• Microbial plaque

Related Phrases

• Plaque disclosing tablets: Tablets that color plaque, making it visible to show areas missed during brushing.
  • Using plaque disclosing tablets can help improve your brushing technique.
• Plaque index: A clinical measurement used by dentists to quantify the amount of plaque on a patient's teeth.
  • The hygienist calculated my plaque index during the check-up.

Noun

1. a film of mucus and bacteria deposited on the teeth that encourages the development of dental caries