Plaque Formation

Plaque is a sticky, gelatinous mass that adheres to the teeth and gingiva. It is composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids. Plaque harbors acid-forming bacteria, which are capable of fermenting dietary carbohydrates. The type of carbohydrate in the diet encourages proliferation of specific bacteria, the most common of which is Streptococcus mutans. This type of bacteria prefers sucrose (table sugar), the most common sugar consumed in the diets of children and adults. Other bacteria are also able to metabolize carbohydrates and produce acids at levels sufficient to cause tooth decay.