A rough, sticky coating on the teeth consisting of saliva, bacteria, and food debris. It is the chief cause of tooth decay (see caries, dental) and gingivitis, and forms the basis of a hard deposit (see calculus, dental). Some of the microorganisms in plaque, particularly, break down sugar in the remains of carbohydrate food that sticks to the mucus, creating an acid that can erode tooth enamel.
Plaque, dental |
|
|