Tooth Plaque Causes, Prevention, And Treatments

Tooth Plaque Causes, Prevention, And Treatments

Define plaque. Write in detail about plaque control.
Answer. Dental plaque is defined as an adherent intercellular matrix consisting primarily of proliferating microorganisms along with a scattering of epithelial cells, leucocytes and macrophages.

Plaque Control

• Plaque control is the regular removal of dental plaque and prevention of its deposit on the teeth as well as adjacent gingival surface.
• Plaque control is carried out by two methods, i.e. chemical methods and mechanical methods

“Understanding the role of tooth plaque in oral health”

Chemical Method of Plaque Inhibition

Chemical plaque control is used as an adjunct for controlling gingival inflammation and preventing progression of periodontal disease.

Chemical methods are very effective during phase 1 therapy for patients with recurrent problems.

According to ADA, two agents are accepted for plaque inhibition, i.e. chlorhexidine digluconate and essential oil rinse.

Chemicals Used for Supragingival Plaque Control (Addy’s Classification)

tooth plaque

• Antibiotics:
  • Penicillin
  • Vancomycin
  • Kanamycin
  • Erythromycin
  • Spiramycin
  • Metronidazole.

“Common challenges in preventing and treating tooth plaque”

•  Enzymes:
  • Mucinase
  • Protease
  • Lipase
  • Amylase
  • Elastase
  • Lactoperoxidase
  • Hypothiocyanate
  • Mutanase.

“Importance of studying tooth plaque for better dental care”

• Quaternary ammonium compounds:
  • Cetylpyridinium chloride
  • Benzethonium chloride
  • Benzalkonium chloride
  • Domiphen bromide.
• Bisbiguanides:
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Alexidine
  • Octenidine/bispyridines.

“Steps to identify common causes of tooth plaque buildup”

• Metallic salts:
  • Copper
  • Tin
  • Zinc.
• Herbal extracts:
  • Sanguinarine.
• Fluorides:
  • Strontium fluoride.
• Oxygenating agents:
  • Hydrogen peroxide.

“Role of bacteria in forming tooth plaque”

• Phenolic compounds:
  • Thymol
  • Menthol
  • Eucalyptol.
• Other antiseptics:
  • Iodine
  • Povidone-iodine
  • Sodium hypochlorite
  • Hexetidine
  • Triclosan.