Which type of tissue does plaque primarily consist of?

Which type of tissue does plaque primarily consist of?

• A. Bone matter
• B. Dental pulp
• C. Bacteria and carbohydrates
• D. Enamel crystals

Answer: (C)

Plaque primarily consists of bacteria and carbohydrates, making this the correct choice. Dental plaque is a biofilm that develops on the surfaces of teeth and is made up of a complex community of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria. These bacteria thrive on the carbohydrates from food residues present in the mouth, utilizing them as a source of energy, which leads to their growth and accumulation. The presence of these bacteria in plaque contributes to the development of dental diseases, such as caries and periodontal disease, as they produce acids that can demineralize tooth enamel and trigger inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can harden into tartar, making it much more difficult to remove. In contrast, bone matter refers to the hard connective tissue that forms the structure of bones and is unrelated to plaque composition. Dental pulp is the innermost part of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels, and does not form part of plaque. Enamel crystals are minerals that make up the outer layer of teeth but are not components of plaque itself. Understanding the composition of plaque is essential for effective oral health care and prevention strategies.

Plaque primarily consists of bacteria and carbohydrates, making this the correct choice. Dental plaque is a biofilm that develops on the surfaces of teeth and is made up of a complex community of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria. These bacteria thrive on the carbohydrates from food residues present in the mouth, utilizing them as a source of energy, which leads to their growth and accumulation.

The presence of these bacteria in plaque contributes to the development of dental diseases, such as caries and periodontal disease, as they produce acids that can demineralize tooth enamel and trigger inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can harden into tartar, making it much more difficult to remove.

In contrast, bone matter refers to the hard connective tissue that forms the structure of bones and is unrelated to plaque composition. Dental pulp is the innermost part of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels, and does not form part of plaque. Enamel crystals are minerals that make up the outer layer of teeth but are not components of plaque itself. Understanding the composition of plaque is essential for effective oral health care and prevention strategies.