Periodontal diseases are common diseases caused by oral bacteria, and dental plaque is the major pathogenic factor. However, what you may not know is that saliva may also increase the risk of periodontal diseases.
Dental plaque is a glycoprotein film accumulated on teeth by bacteria in the oral cavity, food debris, and epithelial cells shed from the oral mucosa. This plaque membrane is also the main attachment area for oral bacteria.
When people eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in a plaque can chemically react with the carbohydrate in those foods, producing acids that can damage enamel and cause tooth decay….