Bacterial Adherence and the Formation of Dental Plaques

The oral cavity contains a variety of types of surfaces which are colonized by bacteria; these include keratinized and non-keratinized mucosal surfaces and the teeth. In individuals with a healthy dentition, only the outer enamel layer covering the crowns of teeth is exposed to bacteria. However, in individuals with chronic periodontal disease, the alveolar bone which supports the teeth is progressively lost and apical migration of the gingiva occurs. This results in exposure of the cementum which covers the roots of the teeth.