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Plaque Formation Sequence — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateBiomedical SciencesPlaque Formation SequenceNDEB AFK

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the formation of dental plaque (biofilm)?

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Correct answer: C — Pellicle formation → Early bacterial colonisation (pioneer species) → Co-aggregation and secondary colonisation → Biofilm maturation

Dental plaque formation follows a predictable sequence: (1) Acquired enamel pellicle formation (salivary proteins adsorb to the clean tooth surface within minutes); (2) Early colonisation by pioneer species (S. sanguinis, S. oralis, Actinomyces) that attach to the pellicle via adhesins (within hours); (3) Co-aggregation — secondary colonisers attach to primary colonisers through specific receptor-ligand interactions; (4) Biofilm maturation — complex community develops with metabolic cooperation, quorum sensing, and EPS matrix production. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a key 'bridge' organism connecting early and late colonisers.

Reference: Lamont – Oral Microbiology and Immunology, 3rd ed., 2019