Plaque - Catalysis

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It is primarily composed of microorganisms that thrive in the mouth and adhere to the tooth surface. Over time, if not removed, plaque can lead to dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.

The Role of Catalysis in Plaque Formation

The formation of dental plaque involves a series of biochemical reactions where catalysts play a crucial role. Enzymes, which are biological catalysts, facilitate the process by which bacteria metabolize sugars to produce acids and extracellular polysaccharides. These polysaccharides help bacteria adhere to each other and to the tooth surface, forming plaque.

Enzymatic Catalysis in Plaque Formation

Enzymes such as glucosyltransferases (GTFs) are essential in the plaque formation process. GTFs catalyze the conversion of dietary sugars like sucrose into sticky glucans that help bacteria adhere to the teeth. This process is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of the plaque biofilm.

Preventing Plaque with Catalysis

Understanding the catalytic processes involved in plaque formation can lead to effective preventive measures. For instance, certain mouth rinses contain enzymes that break down the extracellular polysaccharides, disrupting the plaque matrix and making it easier to remove. Additionally, some dental products are being developed to inhibit the catalytic activity of GTFs, thereby preventing plaque formation at its source.

Role of Fluoride in Plaque Control

Fluoride is a well-known agent in dental care that contributes to plaque control. It acts by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of GTFs and other bacterial enzymes, thus reducing the formation of plaque. Additionally, fluoride helps in the remineralization of tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

Future Directions in Catalysis for Plaque Management

Research is ongoing to develop novel catalysts that can more effectively disrupt plaque biofilms. One promising area is the use of nanoparticles functionalized with enzymes or other catalytic agents. These nanoparticles can penetrate biofilms and deliver catalytic agents precisely where they are needed, offering a targeted approach to plaque control.

Conclusion

The study of catalysis in biology provides valuable insights into the formation and prevention of dental plaque. By understanding and manipulating the catalytic processes involved, we can develop more effective strategies for maintaining oral health and preventing dental diseases.

Relevant Publications

Exposure of domestic animals to Mayaro and Oropouche viruses in urban and peri-urban areas of West-Central Brazil.

Issue Release: 2024

Effectiveness and Drug Survival of Ixekizumab and Secukinumab in Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Real-World Data from Bucharest, Romania.

Issue Release: 2024

Emerging clinical role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibition-Part two: Current and emerging concepts in the clinical use of PCSK9 inhibition.

Issue Release: 2024

The Ramus Intermedius: A Bridge to Survival in the Setting of Triple-Vessel Total Occlusion.

Issue Release: 2024

\"I Was Almost in Disbelief\" - Qualitative Analysis of Experiences and Expectations Among Psoriasis Patients Undergoing Biologic Treatment with Secukinumab.

Issue Release: 2024

Evaluation of Dental Plaque Area with Artificial Intelligence Model.

Issue Release: 2024

Efficacy of ultrasonic home-care denture cleaning versus conventional denture cleaning: A randomised crossover clinical trial.

Issue Release: 2024

How does a extract influence the components of isolated rotavirus particles from stool samples collected in a clinical setting from children?

Issue Release: 2024

Sustained Release of Liposomal Curcumin: Enhanced Periodontal Outcomes in Diabetic Patients.

Issue Release: 2024

Oral processing behavior and dental caries; an insight into a new relationship.

Issue Release: 2024

Effects of nitrate and nitrite on plaque pH decrease and nitrite-producing and -degrading activities of plaque in vitro.

Issue Release: 2024

Amyloid beta is associated with carotid wall echolucency and atherosclerotic plaque composition.

Issue Release: 2024

Morphological Changes of Peri-Coronary Adipose Tissue Together with Elevated NLR in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients in-Hospital.

Issue Release: 2024

Does an untreated peri-implant dehiscence defect affect the progression of peri-implantitis?: A preclinical in vivo experimental study.

Issue Release: 2024

\"Super long-term\" response in a psoriatic patient after discontinuation of Bimekizumab\": is there a new possibility for the management of chronic plaque psoriasis?

Issue Release: 2024

Efficacy of communicating periodontal risk on psychological outcomes and supragingival plaque control in patients undergoing first periodontal consultation: A parallel-arm, randomized trial.

Issue Release: 2024

A comparative study of microbial changes in dental plaque before and after single- and multiappointment treatments in patients with severe early childhood caries.

Issue Release: 2024

Effectiveness and safety of secukinumab updosing in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: data from the PURE registry.

Issue Release: 2024

Machine learning methods for adult OSAHS risk prediction.

Issue Release: 2024

Associations of life\'s essential 8 with extent of multi-territorial atherosclerotic plaques and stenosis: a cross-sectional study.

Issue Release: 2024

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