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Dental plaque

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Part of the book series: Aspects of Microbiology ((volume 1))

Abstract

Dental plaque is a general term for the complex microbial community found on the tooth surface, embedded in a matrix of polymers of bacterial and salivary origin. Plaque that becomes calcified is referred to as calculus or tartar. The presence of plaque in the mouth can be demonstrated readily by rinsing with a disclosing solution such as erythrosin. The majority of plaque is found associated with the protected and stagnant regions of the tooth surface such as fissures, approximal regions and the gingival crevice (Figure 2.2).

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Further Reading

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© 1992 P.D. Marsh and M.V. Martin

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Marsh, P., Martin, M. (1992). Dental plaque. In: Oral Microbiology. Aspects of Microbiology, vol 1. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7556-6_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7556-6_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-7558-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-7556-6

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