Final answer:
Dental plaque is composed of desquamated epithelial cells, components from oral secretions, bacteria and their products, and cuticle or pellicle; therefore, the correct answer is all of the above. Plaque represents a complex biofilm that can harden into dental calculus or tartar over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dental plaque is a biofilm that forms on the teeth and is composed of various elements. The accurate answer to the question would be option 5) all of the above. This is because dental plaque includes desquamated epithelial cells which are constantly shed from the mucous membranes in the mouth, components from oral secretions like saliva that contains proteins and enzymes, bacteria and their products such as Streptococcus mutans which contribute to tooth decay by creating acids, and the cuticle or pellicle which is the initial film that attaches to the enamel and acts as a scaffold for further development of the biofilm.
Microorganisms embedded in a matrix make up a significant portion of the plaque, with interspersed open water channels for the movement of nutrients and waste products. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) account for 50%-90% of the total dry mass of the biofilm, reflecting its complexity. Over time, plaque can harden into dental calculus or tartar, which is more difficult to remove and requires professional dental cleaning to prevent periodontal diseases.