dental plaque
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a film of mucus and bacteria deposited on the teeth that encourages the development of dental caries