Plaque or Biofilm:

-A bacterial mat that forms on the tooth surface. 

It is composed primarily of living and

dead bacteria.  It is specific, pathogenic plaque which is the primary factor in the dental caries process.

Preventive Measures:

Mechanical means-Use of the toothbrush and dental floss to decrease the bacterial load and may aid in controlling dental caries.  However, it is difficult to have a patient remove all dental plaque and this is a non-specific approach.  It is required that we apply antibacterial therapy (chemotherapy) for the control of the specific pathogenic bacteria. 

 

Chemical means- Use of Chlorhexidine, Fluoride and Xylitol.

Back