Dental plaque and acquired pellicle

Dental plaque is a complex, organized biofilm that adheres to the tooth surface, consisting of a diverse community of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular matrix of host and microbial polymers (StatPearls, NBK549761). The process begins with the formation of the acquired pellicle, a thin, acellular protein film derived from saliva that provides the initial substrate for bacterial attachment (PubMed, 11504513). Once established, the plaque biofilm facilitates the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates by acidogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, leading to a localized drop in pH and subsequent demineralization of the tooth enamel (NIH, NIDCR). If left undisturbed, plaque can mineralize into dental calculus, which further promotes the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria and the progression of periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis (StatPearls, NBK549761). Therapeutic interventions target this biofilm through mechanical removal and chemical agents, such as chlorhexidine and fluoride, which act by disrupting microbial membranes, inhibiting bacterial metabolism, or preventing the initial adhesion of bacteria to the pellicle (PubChem, CID 261; PubMed, 25821987). Managing these deposits is critical for maintaining oral health and preventing systemic complications associated with chronic oral infections.

Other names

Dental plaqueAcquired enamel pellicleDental biofilmExogenous tooth surface depositsMicrobial plaqueDental calculusTooth biofilm

Disruption of microbial cell membranes, inhibition of bacterial glycolytic enzymes such as enolase, prevention of bacterial adhesion to the acquired pellicle, and promotion of enamel remineralization.