bacterial plaque, a dense, nonmineralized complex composed primarily of colonies of bacteria embedded in a gelatinous matrix. It contains amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and salts from saliva and gingival fluid; soluble food substances; shed leukocytes and epithelial cells; and products of bacterial metabolism. Plaque is the major causative factor in most dental diseases, including dental caries and inflammatory periodontal diseases. Also called biofilm, dental plaque.
