, consisting of hydrophobic substances and macromolecules, such as salivary glycoproteins, which begin to adsorb to the surface. In this first stage, the film is amorphous (it has no real structure), acellular and organic. Its presence alters the surface charge of the tooth, favoring bacterial adhesion; for this reason, it is rapidly colonized by the numerous germs of the oral bacterial flora (hence the adjective "bacterial").
Among the several hundred species present, the most common microorganisms are streptococci (in particular the Streptococcus mutans), actinobacteria and fusobacteria. Some of these germs are endowed with particular protein structures, called adhesins and coadesins, which favor mutual aggregation and adhesiveness to the dental surface. Bacterial multiplication, with the development of numerous colonies, causes a thickening of the dental plaque, which enriches with salivary substances and other cellular material of the host is transformed into an elaborate matrix. The multiplicity of species from which it is composed and the complexity of its architecture bring considerable benefits to the entire microbial community, which is enriched with anaerobic species.Other microorganisms adapt to the absence of oxygen by converting their metabolism towards anaerobiosis, with the production of organic acids.
Like all acids, these substances irritate and corrode the substances with which they come into contact; in response to this chemical insult, the enamel loses its compactness, becoming more brittle and less effective in protecting the underlying layers of the tooth (dentin and pulp). We are talking about tooth decay.
, undergoes a series of mineralization processes that transform it into tartar. The joint action of this very hard deposit and bacterial metabolism predisposes the teeth to periodontal disease. , before it adversely affects your health, is to use your toothbrush and dental floss patiently and in the right way. The use of the toothbrush is particularly recommended after the main meals and in particular after the evening one, as in the hours of rest the bacteria of the plaque are facilitated in their harmful action.
To learn more, you can consult the following articles:
- Toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Pipe cleaner
- Detartarasi (professional dental cleaning)
