bacterial plaque

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Explanation of "Bacterial Plaque"

Definition: "Bacterial plaque" is a noun that refers to a sticky film made up of bacteria and mucus that forms on your teeth. This plaque can lead to cavities (also known as dental caries) if not removed through brushing and flossing.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "bacterial plaque" to talk about dental health and hygiene. It is commonly used by dentists and in discussions about oral care.
• When discussing health, you can say, "I need to brush my teeth more to reduce bacterial plaque."

Example Sentence:

• "If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, bacterial plaque can build up and cause tooth decay."

Advanced Usage:

• In a scientific or medical context, you might encounter phrases like "accumulation of bacterial plaque" or "removal of bacterial plaque through professional cleaning."

Word Variants:

• Plaque (noun): Refers to the film itself without the "bacterial" adjective.
• Bacteria (noun): The microorganisms that make up the plaque.
• Plaque-forming (adjective): Describing something that contributes to the formation of plaque.

Different Meanings:

• "Plaque" can also refer to a flat, thin piece of material used in various contexts, such as a commemorative plaque on a wall. However, in the context of dental health, it specifically refers to the film on teeth.

Synonyms:

• Dental plaque: Often used interchangeably with "bacterial plaque."
• Biofilm: A broader term that describes the accumulation of microorganisms on surfaces, which can include but is not limited to dental plaque.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "bacterial plaque," but you might encounter phrases like "brush up on" (which means to improve your knowledge or skills) when talking about improving dental hygiene.

Conclusion:

Understanding "bacterial plaque" is important for maintaining good dental health.

Academic

Noun

1. a film of mucus and bacteria deposited on the teeth that encourages the development of dental caries

Synonyms

• dental plaque