To comprehend the genesis of cavities and the periodontal deseases, it is basic to know what is baterial plaque and how does it act.

A few hours after birth, a great amount of diverse microorganisms appear in our mouth and they will cohabit with us through life.

From the proteins in our own saliva an invisible film over the teeth is formeed, this is called aquiered film, and over it different kinds of bateria, present in our mouth, are going to be deposited, and the film + bacteria is called bacterian plaque or dental plaque.

The bacteria are joined together by a complex mechanism, made up of proteic components and carbohydrates (sugars). These sugars, most of them coming from our diet, besides joining the bacteria between themselves, serve as food for the bacteria.

Tartar (bacterian plaque calcificated)

The bacterian plaque con have an acid base or a basic base depending on the type of bateria predominant.

If the predominant bacteria, once they metabolize the sugars, produces acids (streptococcus mutans and lactobacilus acidofilus), then the plaque is acid, and the lactic acid, final product of this metabolisim, is then poured over the dental surface, starting the dental destruction process (cavities).

It has been described that the actinomyces bacteria produces radicular cavities ( in the root of the dental piece). If there is a predominance of bacteria (porfiromonas gingivalis, treponemas, veillonella, bacteroides, capnocitofaga, actinomyces Actinomycetemcomitans) that as a result of the metabolization produce basic substances, then there will be an inflammation and posterior destruction of the periodont (periodontal desease).

In reality, all the bateria mentioned before are present in all bacterian plaque, but is their quantity the ojne that will determine whether a plaque is acid or alkaline.

There is another type of plaque called innocuous, which because of the small amount present, does not have the capability to cause a dental desease (cavities nad periodontal deseases). This innocuous plaque explains why many people with a lack of dental hygiene or dental care, do not suffer any kind of dental deseases mentioned before.

The different types of plaque, explain why patients that endure cavities, in general, do not suffer from periodontal deseases, and vice versa, even though this is not a rule.

Bacterian plaque is persistent and adherent, it does not go aways with a simple rinse, this is the difference with alba materia or saburra that are basically formed by food remains and it is not adherent.

Bacterian plaque is not visible, only if it adquires certain width it becames visible, and it tends to calcificate with different calcic salts taht come from saliva and from foods.

Once it calcificates, then it is called TAR, DENTAL CALCULUS or TARTAR. Tar is visible, and it is strongly adhered to the dental surfaces.