Dental plaque formation

Microbes Infect. 2000 Nov;2(13):1599-607. doi: 10.1016/s1286-4579(00)01316-2.

Abstract

Dental plaque is a complex biofilm that accumulates on the hard tissues (teeth) in the oral cavity. Although over 500 bacterial species comprise plaque, colonization follows a regimented pattern with adhesion of initial colonizers to the enamel salivary pellicle followed by secondary colonization through interbacterial adhesion. A variety of adhesins and molecular interactions underlie these adhesive interactions and contribute to plaque development and ultimately to diseases such as caries and periodontal disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adhesins, Bacterial / chemistry
  • Adhesins, Bacterial / physiology
  • Bacterial Adhesion / physiology
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Dental Pellicle
  • Dental Plaque / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis / physiology
  • Streptococcus sanguis / physiology

Substances

  • Adhesins, Bacterial