Dental Plaque adheres to tooth surface by
**Question:** Dental Plaque adheres to tooth surface by
A. Enzymatic reactions
B. Electrostatic forces
C. Anticoagulation
D. Adhesion molecules
**Core Concept:** Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms that forms on the teeth, leading to dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal diseases (gum problems). The adhesion of dental plaque to tooth surfaces is a crucial process in these conditions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Dental plaque adheres to the tooth surface due to the interaction between microbial adhesins (binding proteins) on the plaque and host receptors (receptor molecules) on the tooth surface. This process involves the binding of adhesins to receptors, leading to the attachment of dental plaque to the tooth surface.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Enzymatic reactions: While enzymes are involved in plaque formation, they are not the primary mechanism for plaque adhesion.
B. Electrostatic forces: Although electrostatic forces can play a role in certain plaque adhesion, they are not the primary mechanism for all plaque adhesion.
C. Anticoagulation: Anticoagulation is a process related to preventing blood clotting and is not relevant to dental plaque adhesion.
D. Adhesion molecules: Adhesion molecules are involved in the secondary attachment of plaque cells to the attached microorganisms, but not the initial adhesion to the tooth surface.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact:**
Understanding the process of dental plaque adhesion is essential for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. Proper oral hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing can disrupt plaque adhesion, preventing the development of these conditions.