Tooth deposit

Tooth deposit (Latin placa dentalis) is a soft, sticky, non-mineralized deposit that firmly adheres to the tooth surface. It represents a complex, organized, multispecies colony of microorganisms embedded in a protective polysaccharide matrix.

Tooth deposit is the primary etiological factor in the development of caries and periodontal diseases.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Bacteria within the plaque, predominantly Streptococcus mutans, metabolize carbohydrates from food into organic acids. These acids are retained by the biofilm directly at the enamel surface, causing its prolonged chemical dissolution. The process of plaque formation starts within minutes after tooth cleaning and proceeds through stages of pellicle formation, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm maturation.

Clinical significance

Film cannot be washed away with water and requires mechanical removal using a toothbrush and floss or interdental brushes. Without regular hygiene, minerals in saliva cause the soft deposit to mineralize and develop into dental calculus. The constant presence of biofilm maintains an acidic environment, which leads to the dissolution of enamel minerals and the formation of carious lesions.

Upon reaching the dentin, in addition to continued acid production, biofilm bacteria also begin releasing proteolytic enzymes. The process causes the organic component of the dentin, collagen, to degrade. Toxins released by bacteria provoke inflammation of the gums and destruction of the periodontal ligament.