Bacterial plaque - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

oral hygiene

A sticky film that forms on teeth, consisting of bacteria and their byproducts. Bacterial plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed through regular brushing and flossing.

Synonyms

dental plaque, oral biofilm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bacterial plaque	Suitable for scientific or medical discussions when referring to the thin, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and other surfaces in the mouth. Often used in professional settings. The dentist explained that bacterial plaque is a major cause of cavities and gum disease. Researchers are studying how to effectively eliminate bacterial plaque to improve oral health.
dental plaque	Commonly used in everyday conversations and general contexts when talking about the film of bacteria on teeth. It's a more generally understood term for people without a scientific background. It's important to brush your teeth twice a day to remove dental plaque. He visited the dentist to get his dental plaque cleaned.
oral biofilm	Best for very technical or scientific discussions, often used in research contexts when describing the complex community of microorganisms on oral surfaces. The study focused on the composition and behavior of the oral biofilm in patients with gum disease. Oral biofilm resilience makes it hard to treat with standard oral hygiene methods.

Word

Description / Examples

bacterial plaque

Suitable for scientific or medical discussions when referring to the thin, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and other surfaces in the mouth. Often used in professional settings.

The dentist explained that bacterial plaque is a major cause of cavities and gum disease.
Researchers are studying how to effectively eliminate bacterial plaque to improve oral health.

dental plaque

Commonly used in everyday conversations and general contexts when talking about the film of bacteria on teeth. It's a more generally understood term for people without a scientific background.

It's important to brush your teeth twice a day to remove dental plaque.
He visited the dentist to get his dental plaque cleaned.

oral biofilm

Best for very technical or scientific discussions, often used in research contexts when describing the complex community of microorganisms on oral surfaces.

The study focused on the composition and behavior of the oral biofilm in patients with gum disease.
Oral biofilm resilience makes it hard to treat with standard oral hygiene methods.

Examples of usage

Bacterial plaque can be easily removed by brushing your teeth twice a day.
Regular dental cleanings are important to remove any bacterial plaque buildup.
If left untreated, bacterial plaque can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove.

Interesting Facts

Health Implications

If not removed through good dental hygiene, this can lead to gum disease, which affects the tissue around your teeth.
Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent the formation of hardened plaque, known as tartar, which requires professional cleaning.
Research indicates a connection between oral health and overall health, suggesting that plaque can impact conditions like heart disease.

Science

Inside the mouth, bacteria feed on sugar from food, producing acids that contribute to tooth decay and cavities.
The mouth hosts over 700 species of bacteria, but bacterial plaque primarily consists of a few dominant types that thrive on sugars.
Plaque can form within hours after brushing, highlighting the importance of daily dental care.

Cultural Perspective

Different cultures have unique practices for dental care, with some using traditional herbs to fight against bacteria.
In some ancient civilizations, toothpowders with ingredients like charcoal and ashes were used to combat plaque.
Cultural views on dental health vary, with many societies placing high importance on the aesthetics of a healthy smile.

Origin of 'bacterial plaque'

Main points about word origin

The term 'plaque' comes from the Latin word 'placca', meaning 'patch' or 'plate', which refers to the sticky film on teeth.
The word 'bacterial' refers to bacteria, which are tiny living things that can sometimes make us sick.
Combined, the phrase indicates a patch of bacteria that is commonly found on teeth.

The term 'bacterial plaque' was first introduced by Dr. Willoughby D. Miller in the late 19th century. He discovered that this sticky film on teeth was responsible for dental decay and disease. Since then, research has shown the importance of proper oral hygiene in preventing bacterial plaque buildup and maintaining oral health.

Bacterial plaque Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations