What is the relationship between dental plaque and calculus mineralization?

What is the relationship between dental plaque and calculus mineralization?

• A. Calculus forms before plaque
• B. Plaque dissolves calculus
• C. Plaque serves as organic matrix for mineral deposition leading to calculus
• D. Calculus is formed independently of plaque

Answer: (C)

Plaque provides the organic scaffold for mineral deposition, which leads to calculus formation. Dental plaque is a biofilm rich in extracellular matrix components that concentrates minerals from saliva. When calcium and phosphate ions precipitate within this plaque matrix, the material hardens into calculus that adheres to the tooth surface. This shows why mineralization happens within plaque rather than occurring independently or in the absence of plaque.

Plaque provides the organic scaffold for mineral deposition, which leads to calculus formation. Dental plaque is a biofilm rich in extracellular matrix components that concentrates minerals from saliva. When calcium and phosphate ions precipitate within this plaque matrix, the material hardens into calculus that adheres to the tooth surface. This shows why mineralization happens within plaque rather than occurring independently or in the absence of plaque.