Dental plaque: composition, causes and stages of formation. Dental Plaque: Causes, Treatment, Prevention Stages of Dental Plaque Formation

The composition of dental plaque can be studied using bacterioscopic and bacteriological methods.

Before removing plaque, it is necessary to carry out a thorough hygienic treatment. oral cavity using various mechanical methods and controlling the processing by determining the hygiene index. For this purpose, special coloring solutions are used, determining the zone of plaque.

The method of taking the material of the dental plaque

A plaque located on an accessible smooth tooth surface (buccal, lingual) can be removed by scraping with a conventional sterile instrument: an excavator, a scaler. A sterile thread can be used to remove plaque from proximal surfaces. Plaque from pits, fissures can be obtained with a sharp probe or pointed orthodontic wire. In some cases, the material is taken with small sterile cotton swabs.

The sampling of material from the gingival pocket for microscopic examination can be carried out on sterile celluloid narrow plates, which are carefully inserted into the pocket and pressed against the root surface from the gum side.

Plaque material dispersion technique

The accuracy of determining the number and types of bacteria in the plaque depends on the thoroughness of the dispersion of the material.

It is possible to break plaque conglomerates by shaking with glass beads in a homogenizer, processing the material in ultrasonic disintegrators. However, ultrasound can cause the death of some bacteria: spirochetes and some gram-negative bacteria are especially sensitive to ultrasonication. In this regard, sonication is usually carried out for no more than 10 seconds.

Examination of the carious cavity

First, the surface layers of softened dentine moistened with saliva are removed from the carious cavity with a sterile drill. Preventing saliva from entering the test material, the cavity is treated with another sterile bur and the dentin is placed using a sterile trowel into the transport medium.

100.Caries(from lat. сaries - decay) of teeth is a progressive destruction of hard tissues of the tooth with the formation of a defect in the form of a cavity. The basis of caries is the defeat of enamel, dentin, cementum. Depending on the degree of damage to the hard tissues of the tooth, the following stages of the development of the disease are distinguished:

Caries in the stain stage. The appearance of a stain on the tooth occurs imperceptibly for the patient.

Superficial caries - the enamel is affected, but the dentin is not affected.

Medium caries - affected enamel and the peripheral part of the dentin.

Deep caries - a lesion that has covered the deep part of the dentin.

Dental caries is one of the most common diseases in the world population.

Plaque is a source of microbes, a site for the fermentation of carbohydrates and, as a result of this, the formation of organic acids. Soft plaque polysaccharides adsorb sucrose that enters the oral cavity. Under experimental conditions, it has been shown that even if, after taking sugar, the mouth is rinsed with water, the content of sucrose in the plaque increases by 2.7 times.

It is now generally accepted that microbes are involved in dental caries. In this case, the leading role is given to streptococcus mutans (S.mutans). This type of streptococcus is found in dental plaques, in saliva, in feces and in the blood. S. mutans differs from other streptococci in colony morphology, the ability to ferment mannitol, sorbitol, ferments rhamnose, salicin and inulin, does not form hydrogen peroxide, gives a positive Voges-Proskauer reaction, and has a pronounced ability to adhere to a smooth surface in the presence of sucrose.

There are also several species of other cariogenic streptococci S.macacae, S.sobrinus, S.rattus, S.ferus, S.cricetus.

The study of the cariogenic role of these microbes revealed a small number of them in children before teething and in adult toothless people, indicating a direct connection between microbes and tooth enamel. It has been established that S. mutans, being predominantly on the surface of the enamel, forms most of the microbial flora of dental plaque. At the same time, these microbes are usually absent on the surface of intact enamel outside the plaque.

One of the most important biological properties of cariogenic streptococci is the ability of these bacteria to attach to smooth surfaces and form acid. Adhesion to the teeth provides for the formation of cariogenic plaques by these microbes and this action is mediated by the synthesis of glucose polymers from sucrose present in food.

This process is ensured by the presence of a constitutive enzyme in microbes - glucosyltransferase. This enzyme breaks down sucrose into fructose and glucose, and ensures the conversion of glucose into soluble and insoluble glucan. Thus, plaque formation involves two separate phenomena: the adherence of bacteria to the tooth surface and the aggregation of cells that form the bacterial matrix.

If streptococci prevail in the oral cavity, then the amount of lactobacilli in the plaque is approximately 1% of the total number of microbes in the dental plaque. It has been established that lactobacilli play an insignificant role in the initial stages of microbial adhesion to tooth enamel and in plaque formation. Their role sharply increases in the progression of caries as the severity of the carious lesion increases. Obviously, these microbes play a decisive role in the destruction of dentin after enamel deformation. Actinomycetes seem to be involved in carious lesions of the roots of the teeth in the elderly when the root of the tooth is exposed.

Emphasizing the leading role of microbes in the development of dental caries, primarily streptococci of the "mutans" group, one cannot but note the influence on this process of internal systemic factors of the body (heredity, immune and endocrine system). It is known that regardless of the level of prevalence of caries, in any region there are approximately 1% of adults who do not have caries. This indicates the existence of people resistant to caries. Along with this, there are people susceptible to caries, in which the intensity of caries significantly exceeds the average group level. Thus, resistance to caries is the state of the macroorganism and its oral cavity, which determines the resistance of tooth enamel to the action of cariogenic factors.

Caries resistance can be determined by the following factors: the composition and structure of enamel and other tissues of the tooth, specific and non-specific factors protecting the oral cavity, dietary characteristics, quantitative and qualitative indicators of saliva composition, plaque properties, as well as the presence of bad habits.

Normally, tooth enamel is characterized by a state of dynamic equilibrium between the ongoing processes of demineralization and remineralization. With caries, enamel demineralization occurs under the action of lactic acid. It was noted that at a young age, the intensity of tooth decay by caries is higher than in the elderly. This is due to the fact that full mineralization provides greater resistance of tooth enamel to acids. Insufficient mineralization creates conditions that cause rapid demineralization and the appearance of caries. The most prone to demineralization are the areas of the teeth where the prisms come to the surface.

A feature of age-related changes in enamel is its compaction due to the intake of micro- and macroelements and a decrease in the variability of the structure due to a decrease in microporosity. In parallel with this, there is an increase in hardness, a decrease in the solubility and permeability of the enamel.

An important role in resistance to dental caries is played by specific factors of resistance of the oral cavity. Susceptibility to caries depends on the functional activity of the salivary glands.

At the same time, it must be taken into account that immunization of people with vaccines prepared from S. mutans is associated with a certain risk: firstly, these microbes contain cross-antigens with tissues of the heart, kidneys, skeletal muscles of humans and animals, which can cause various pathological reactions of an autoimmune nature. ; secondly, due to the common antigens of streptococci of the "mutans" group with other oral streptococci, the production of antibodies to S. mutans can lead to a violation of the microbial biocenosis in the oral cavity.

Thus, the leading factor in the development of dental caries is microbial - representatives of streptococci (S. mutans). The main condition for the development of caries is the formation of dental plaque, due to which the local demineralizing effect of the microbial flora that inhabits it (production of lactic acid) is determined. There is an association between the presence of S. mutans in the oral cavity and the degree of carious damage to the tooth. The development of caries contributes to the intake of carbohydrates into the oral cavity, especially sucrose. This indicates the influence of diet on the manifestation of the cariogenic properties of microbes.

It is obvious that the general state of the body, especially its immune and endocrine systems, also plays a significant role in the appearance and development of dental caries.

Dental plaques are an accumulation of pathological microorganisms that are fixed on the enamel of one or several teeth at once.

Similar bacterial aggregations in oral cavity capable of forming an acidic environment. Under such conditions, the enamel begins to actively deteriorate, which leads to complete or partial destruction of the teeth.

Localization and composition of dental plaques

Harmful accumulations are formed on the enamel in the form of a light or dark plaque. They negatively affect general state tooth and can lead to tooth loss. This is due to the fact that they are completely composed of many pathogenic microorganisms and their metabolic products.

Where do bacterial clusters form?

Clusters often form on the back walls of teeth. The negative effect on the enamel leads to demineralization of the posterior tooth wall and the formation of caries on it.

The greatest susceptibility to the occurrence of bacteria and caries are fissures and blind pits. Plaque can also affect the smooth parts that come into contact with the contact surface of the root.

Plaque formation is most often observed in those parts of the oral cavity that are difficult to clean properly.

Structure and composition of dental deposits

It is worth noting that such formations as a whole do not consist of food residues and begin to form again 1-2 hours after brushing your teeth.

Plaque is mostly made up of microbes. The new sediment layer is home to many small microbial forms that form a soft, sticky and slightly transparent deposit.

50% of the microorganisms that make up the plaque are streptococci, 30% are diphtheroids, the remaining 20% ​​are divided among themselves by veillonella, bacteroids, fusobacteria, neisseria and vibrios.

Why pathogenic microflora is formed

The reasons for the formation of pathogenic deposits can be:

• general resistance human body, as well as specific individual characteristics immune system;
• abuse of sugar and sweet foods;
• irregular brushing of teeth and lack of hygiene;
• total volume and composition of saliva.

Symptoms and stages of formation of dental plaques

This pathology belongs to the salivary type. Plaques are formed due to the accumulation of certain minerals that enter the oral cavity directly with saliva.

Also, plaque can cover the entire chewing surface of the teeth, which leads to a change in their color and subsequent destruction.

Symptomatic manifestations

The general clinical picture of the development of pathogenic deposits can be identified by outward signs. First, the formation is formed directly on the surface of the tooth above the edge of the gum.

Often the plaque has a white or beige color. The consistency can be both plastic and solid. The color of plaque is directly affected by the use of coffee or tobacco products.

Dentists were able to establish the following pattern - lighter dental deposits most often have a soft texture, while they form faster than hard ones and can be deposited in large volumes. Dark ones have the density of a stone, but they are formed much more slowly and in smaller quantities than light ones.

Stages of dental plaque formation

The place of occurrence and the rate of appearance of plaque directly depends on individual features person, as well as the quality of oral hygiene.

The plaque is formed in three stages:

1. The first. The formation of a primary pellicle that covers the entire tooth or part of it.
2. Second. Primary microbiological contamination.
3. Third. Preservation on enamel.

Methods for diagnosing the disease

Plaque is important to distinguish from other forms of tartar. With the help of modern research methods, it is possible to comprehensively study the state of the patient's oral cavity and accurately determine the etiotropic pathogen.

The diagnostic process is carried out within the framework of modern laboratory diagnostic methods.

The use of such research methods makes it possible to diagnose the patient with high accuracy and choose the most appropriate treatment strategy.

AT modern medicine The following diagnostic methods are used to diagnose inflammatory and pathogenic processes in the oral cavity:

• a complete study of the microflora of the oral cavity;
• study of the state of the patient's immune system;
• biochemical research;
• cytological studies.

The success of plaque treatment depends on exact definition the causative agent of this pathology. For diagnostics, in some cases, special dyes are used (as shown in the photo on the left), which help to establish the cause of plaque.

To determine the microflora and search for pathogenic pathogens of plaques, microscopy of the oral cavity can be used.

To quantify the detected pathogenic microflora, a standard microbiological inoculation of a selective or non-selective medium is used.

What are the treatments

To remove all kinds of deposits on the teeth, it is customary to use special dental methods, but certain results can also be achieved by home cleaning methods.

Removal of dental plaques by a professional method

Removal of deposits begins in the distal region of the teeth. After that, the doctors move in the mesial direction, approaching the anterior teeth.

High-quality treatment consists in professional cleaning at the dentist and takes place in two stages:

1. Removal. Complete cleaning of teeth from soft and hard deposits accumulated on the surface of tooth enamel and in gum and periodontal pockets.
2. Treatment. To exclude repeated formations, all cleaned surfaces and recesses are covered with special antibacterial agents.

Treatment at home

At home, you can eliminate plaques by rinsing your mouth with special dental solutions.

The use of cotton compresses and hydrogen peroxide may also help. But it is worth remembering that peroxide not only eliminates plaques, but also contributes to the destruction of enamel, which can cause more serious problems.

If home treatments don't work, you'll need to see a doctor. Delaying time will only aggravate the situation and lead to tooth loss.

What are the consequences of ignoring the disease

Plaque is not just an aesthetic problem, it is an accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms that cause caries. As a result, a plaque that has developed into caries can cause partial or complete destruction of the tooth.

Also, this pathology can become the beginning of the onset of periodontal disease and other gum diseases, which also often leads to the loss of healthy teeth.

This is due to the fact that deposits squeeze the edge of the gums, which leads to inflammation. As a result, pathogenic microflora penetrates under the tooth and into the gum. Such serious consequences often have to be treated by surgical intervention and subsequent prosthetics.

Necessary methods of prevention

Prevention of the disease mainly consists in observing the rules of oral hygiene.

Doctors believe that regular brushing of teeth after eating is the most reliable way to minimize the likelihood of such a disease. When using high-quality toothpastes and brushes, you can remove all plaque before it turns into plaque.

The main rules for brushing your teeth, which will help minimize the possibility of pathology:

• the use of brushes of medium hardness with a small head;
• the use of pastes containing fluorine in their composition;
• brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day for at least 5 minutes;
• the use of special balms that can dissolve biological plaque;
• the use of threads for deep cleaning of the gaps between the teeth;
• replace the brush at least once every two to three months.

For children and people who have problems with arm mobility, electric toothbrushes are better suited. They have special rotating and moving elements for better cleaning of the oral cavity.

Dental plaque is not just plaque that appears during the day and is easily brushed off. This is a serious pathology that can cause serious illnesses teeth and gums.

Timely treatment by removing plaques can prevent the development of more serious illnesses oral cavity, which often lead to partial or total loss teeth.

dental plaque- the most complex and multicomponent biotope of the oral cavity, which includes almost all representatives of the microflora of the oral cavity. The number of plaques and their ratio varies greatly in different people and at different periods of their lives.

dental plaques- accumulation of bacteria in a conglomerate of proteins and polysaccharides. The plaque matrix consists of substances that enter the surface of the teeth with saliva, and also partially formed as metabolites of microorganisms. There are supra- and subgingival plaques, as well as plaques that form on the surface of the teeth and in the interdental spaces. Quantitative and qualitative changes in microbiocenosis play a decisive role in the occurrence of dental caries and periodontitis.

dental plaque begins to form within 1-2 hours after brushing your teeth. Plaque formation begins with the interaction of acidic groups of saliva glycoproteins with Ca2+ ions of tooth enamel, while the main groups of glycoproteins react with hydroxyapatite phosphates. As a result, a thin film is formed on the surface of the tooth - a pellicle, and the presence of microbes, especially acid-forming ones, stimulates its formation. The film facilitates microbial colonization of the tooth surface and gum pockets. The first to appear there are streptococci - S. sanguis and S. sativarius, and then other representatives of the aerobic and facultative anaerobic flora. The vital activity of microorganisms reduces the redox potential, which creates conditions for the colonization of the region by anaerobes - veillonella, actinomycetes and fusobacteria.

For various values pH microbial landscape of dental plaques can vary significantly, in particular, aerobes and facultative anaerobes (streptococci and lactobanilli) predominate on the upper teeth, anaerobes (veillonella and fusobacteria) predominate on the lower teeth. With the formation of plaques in the interdental spaces, microbial colonization proceeds much more intensively, but the replacement of aerobic microorganisms by anaerobes does not occur.

Significant impact on plaque development diet provides. With a high content of carbohydrates in it, the formation a large number lactic acid as a result of their fermentation by streptococci and lactobacilli. Lactic acid is decomposed by veilonells, neisseria and fusobacteria to acetic, formic, propionic and other organic acids, which causes a sharp shift in the pH of the medium to the acid side. Microorganisms can also form various polysaccharides from carbohydrates. Intracellular polysaccharides accumulate in the form of storage granules. Their decomposition also leads to the formation of various organic acids. Extracellular polysaccharides are partially utilized by bacteria, such as streptococci, and facilitate their adhesion to substrates.

In the process of plaque formation there is a significant change in the composition of the microflora. In the first phase, lasting 2-4 hours, the so-called "early * dental plaque" is formed, in which aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria - streptococci, staphylococci, neisseria and lactobacilli predominate. The total content of bacteria does not exceed 100-1000 per 1 g. In the second phase (4-5 days), they are replaced by anaerobic leptotrichia and fusobacteria. The total content of bacteria increases to 1-10 million per 1 g. In the third phase (6-7 days and beyond), the microbiocenosis acquires a qualitative final composition, but quantitative shifts constantly occur in it. The content of aerobes and facultative anaerobes (Neisseria, Streptococcus) sharply decreases, with a predominance of obligate anaerobes (Bacteroids, Fusobacteria, Veillonella, Actinomycetes, Peptostrep-tococci). The latter secrete a complex of toxic substances and enzymes (collagenase, protease, hyaluronidase, etc.) that damage adjacent tissues. Proteases are able to destroy AT (IgA and IgG), which facilitates further microbial colonization. The total content of bacteria reaches tens and hundreds of billions per 1 g. Dental plaques can also form on the surface of fillings; The microbial composition of plaques depends on the nature and quality of the filling material.

Dental plaque in dentistry is called a certain accumulation of bacteria that are quite tightly fixed on the surface of one or more teeth. It is believed that under strictly defined conditions, such dental plaques are capable of creating an acidic environment in a strictly limited area of ​​​​the oral cavity, which is more than sufficient for active enamel demineralization.

In addition, when characterizing the diagnosis of dental plaque, it should be indicated that, as a rule, this is a condition when the soft, almost transparent, and sticky material of the plaque has an extremely negative effect on the condition of the teeth. After all, the plaque itself is almost completely (90%) composed of pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic bacteria, as well as their waste products.

It is believed that dental plaques can have well-defined favorite sites of internal attachment, which, in the end, determines the localization of a particular carious lesion. It is customary to say that fissures or blind pits are the most susceptible to the development of caries. In addition, on smooth surfaces, real carious lesions can occur in the region of the so-called contact surfaces of the root itself, namely in the places of the primary formation of the said dental plaque.

It should be noted that the plaque almost never consists of any food debris. In addition, the plaque is not the result of a random accumulation of certain microorganisms, as patients often and not quite correctly think.

It must be understood that the formation of certain plaques on the teeth is a highly organized and ordered process. After all, the survival of certain microorganisms in the physiologically normal environment of the oral cavity itself will depend on the ability of such organisms to adhere to the surface of the tooth.

Very few microorganisms have the real ability to adhere tightly to the surfaces of the teeth or to the oral mucosa. Most often it can be streptococci. After all, in addition to receptors for full fixation on the teeth, they produce a special adhesive substance that is ready to provide them with adhesion to each other.

So the mentioned properties of gluing, or sticking, initially provide a strong fixation of microorganisms, and then a full-fledged vertical growth of the resulting plaque. As a result, structural changes in such plaques are almost predictable, especially if the environment of the oral cavity itself long time remains absolutely stable.

Almost the most main reason Such plaque formation can be a fairly frequent use of products containing sucrose. After all, this is usually accompanied by the most intensive reproduction of any acid-forming bacteria. You need to know that under conditions of a strictly limited intake of such a substance as sucrose, the growth of real plaques cannot lead to the rapid onset of caries.

The factors capable of controlling the composition of microorganisms inhabiting the plaques are commonly referred to as the so-called environmental determinants. Such factors are divided into several strictly interconnected groups, the general interaction of which can determine the subsequent possibility of caries on the affected tooth.

It is believed that such determinants can be:

• the resistance of the human body, including both specific and non-specific factors of immune defense,
• correct patient diet
• complete hygiene of the entire oral cavity,
• The total amount and even composition of the available oral fluid or saliva.

Symptoms

Standard clinical picture dental plaque is as follows: initially it can be observed that the supragingival stone is located directly on the surface of the affected teeth above the so-called gingival margin. The stone is usually either white or yellow (beige). Such a stone can have a solid or clay-like consistency. Moreover, the color of the plaque directly depends on the effect of tobacco or other food pigments on the oral cavity.

Most often, physicians observe such a pattern - the lighter the plaque, the less dense and less hard it is, and the faster it is formed and can be deposited in a sufficiently large amount. But a dark plaque is denser and harder, although it forms somewhat more slowly and in a significantly smaller amount.

Dental plaque is attributed exclusively to the salivary type of pathology, since doctors have proven that some minerals and certain organic components (forming such a stone) enter the body from saliva.

Often such a supragingival plaque can be found exclusively on a single tooth, as well as on a whole group of teeth, or even on all teeth without exception. There are situations when dental deposits are observed on the buccal surfaces near the upper molars or opposite the main duct of the so-called parotid salivary gland.

In some cases, the stone may well form a kind of bridge-like structure directly along several adjacent teeth. The plaque can cover almost the entire chewing surface of the teeth, in a particular case, without their antagonists.

Diagnostics

It must be said that for the diagnosis of dental plaque and for differentiating it from other forms of tartar, only a set of methods of full-fledged laboratory diagnostics available today is suitable. Modern diagnostics allows you to almost comprehensively examine any patient and accurately identify a specific etiotropic agent.

As a result of such diagnostic options, it becomes possible to make an absolutely correct diagnosis, as well as, accordingly, the timely appointment of a fully adequate treatment. Among modern methods of laboratory diagnostics of any inflammatory diseases oral cavity and in particular dental plaque such as:

• Complete microbiological studies.
• Immunological studies.
• Biochemical research.
• And even cytological studies.

The success or, on the contrary, the failure of the subsequent treatment of dental plaque often depends on whether it is possible to identify the specific causative agent of the problem in a timely manner. So at the beginning of the history of modern microbiology, pathogenic microorganisms could be differentiated solely with the help of dyes.

But when determining the pathological (or normal) microflora of the entire oral cavity and, in particular, dental plaque, a number of accurate classical methods can now be used. For example, to study the so-called qualitative composition of a particular microflora, physicians try to identify microcolonies or microbial bodies directly during microscopy.

It is customary to quantify the pathological microflora by standard inoculation directly on selective or non-selective media, followed by a full count of the colonies of the microorganisms found.

Prevention

It is customary to say that the prevention of any dental diseases, and first of all dental plaque (which can provoke such diseases) consists in the systematic implementation of 100% adequate, proper individual oral hygiene. Personal hygiene is important because microorganisms present in the oral cavity, which subsequently form dental plaque, can be the main cause of more serious complications (such as caries, and some periodontal tissue diseases).

The main goal of hygiene of the entire oral cavity should be the most thorough cleaning of all surfaces of the tooth from food debris present on it. It is believed that in this way accumulations and even an increase in the volume of dangerous dental plaque above the gums can be limited. But it is dental plaque that can lead to even more complex dental diseases.

Prevention of the development of dental plaque can be achieved with normal thorough brushing of the teeth, with a properly selected toothbrush. Brush your teeth with extreme care at least twice a day. Preventive restriction of carbohydrate intake is also important in this case. Naturally, if due to some important circumstances it is not possible to brush your teeth immediately after eating, you can completely use chewing gum that is acceptable to you, of course, which does not contain sugar.

Dentists believe that an excellent prevention of the development of dental plaque can be the habit of eating hard fruits or vegetables (for example, a piece of apple, carrot, or celery) immediately after eating, which can help to naturally clean teeth. Doctors are convinced that due to the density of such products, the patient produces the largest number of standard chewing movements, which means that the largest amount of beneficial saliva is produced, which contributes to the speedy cleaning of teeth from dangerous food residues.

However, brushing your teeth after meals with a toothbrush certainly remains the most effective and effective way to avoid the development of dental plaque. With the timely use of the correct toothbrush, fresh (not yet frozen) plaque is almost completely removed.

Also, for the prevention of the development of dental plaque is incredibly important and right choice toothpaste. In most cases, modern toothpastes come in a comfortable soft consistency and often with the addition of small abrasive particles. This contributes to the speedy removal of food residues from almost all surfaces of the tooth accessible for cleaning.

Naturally, in cases correct application toothpaste, such can help in removing dental plaques above the gums and, accordingly, in preventing the development of complications. However, toothpaste is generally not effective in controlling chronic disease because it usually fails to remove plaque underneath the gums.

And of course toothpaste is not able to prevent the development of dental plaques and their complications in places that are inaccessible to cleansing with a regular toothbrush. For a long time, toothpastes containing fluoride ions have appeared on the dental market, and even today such pastes are considered an excellent effective measure for preventing the development of dental plaque and caries.

In addition, toothpastes can be found on the market today, which in turn have an excellent antimicrobial effect, since triclosan is a standard ingredient in their composition. The use of such pastes prevents the rapid formation of over-gingival plaques and the formation of denser tartar.

And of course, for the prevention of plaque formation is important correct technique cleaning of dental surfaces. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating will be most effective if it completely removes freshly formed dental plaque. As a standard, the goal of brushing your teeth, clearly, should be to clean all the surfaces of the tooth accessible to this, and in addition, remove all food debris from the teeth, prevent hardening of dental plaque and, of course, timely delivery of fluorine ions (available in toothpaste) directly to the tissues teeth.

Below are a few basic principles of proper brushing technique:

• Today, toothbrushes with a small head, synthetic bristles, and medium hardness are considered the most effective.
• Most dentists recommend using toothpastes that contain fluoride to prevent plaque and caries.
• Conventionally, the dentition is usually divided into three separate segments: on the left, right and also on the front (or central), each of which requires a full cleaning.
• In turn, the right and left segments can be subdivided into vestibular, lingual, and occlusal parts. In this case, the frontal segment can be divided only into the so-called vestibular and lingual surfaces that require cleaning.
• Actually, in this way, dentists believe that on each of the jaws of a person, at least eight separate segments (or parts) are obtained. Naturally, with daily brushing of teeth to prevent the development of dental plaque, it is necessary to spend at least five or even seven seconds on each of the parts of the described segments.
• After brushing your teeth, it is important to rinse your toothbrushes under the most powerful stream of water. In addition, it is important to change the brushes at least once every three months. And all because after this time, a modification of the bristles of the brush begins to occur (say, breaking off or bending those), which will eventually make brushing your teeth ineffective.

For a full-fledged, most effective hygienic cleaning of the teeth, as a rule, timely acquired knowledge, skills and, of course, time are required. It is believed that for many people it is much more convenient to use electric toothbrushes. And all because their application does not require any significant effort, in fact, this makes such brushes accessible to small children or people with limited movements in their hands.

It is also important to understand that during sleep, the full secretion of saliva is significantly reduced, which ultimately reduces the protective properties of saliva by several times. That is why, in order to prevent the formation of dental plaque, it is important to try to refrain from eating numerous sweets immediately before bedtime.

And lastly, to prevent the formation of dental plaque, it is very important to fully clean the so-called approximal surfaces. It is believed that even with the most thorough cleaning of the teeth, it is almost impossible to completely and completely remove the formed dental plaque from the so-called interdental spaces.

As a result, the medial as well as the distal surfaces of our teeth are most at risk for plaque and various dental diseases. Naturally, dentists recommend using special flosses (dental floss), toothpicks or brushes designed specifically for cleaning interdental spaces to clean such surfaces.

Treatment

At the initial stage of a complex of full-fledged therapeutic measures in the development of such a disease of the oral cavity as dental plaque is the qualitative removal of any dental deposits. Wherein professional hygiene the entire oral cavity should provide for the most thorough removal of both soft and hard deposits.

It is important to say that plaque should be removed absolutely from all surfaces of the affected teeth, as well as in the gum and directly in the periodontal pockets. This should be followed by subsequent treatment of teeth, as well as gums, with specialized prophylactic agents.

Of course, it is very important to take into account that literally each of the four existing surfaces of the teeth directly in the area of ​​​​the neck of the tooth must be really perfectly clean.

The softest deposits can be removed by thoroughly rinsing the mouth with standard antiseptic solutions or using cotton swabs, which must be moistened with plenty of hydrogen peroxide. However, if this is not enough, then such plaque can be removed with an excavator.

As a rule, the removal of any dental deposits should be carried out using certain techniques. For example, the removal of soft deposits is usually started from the distal surfaces of the lower teeth. Next, doctors must consistently move in a strictly mesial direction closer to the front teeth. At the same time, it is important to remove deposits from literally all existing surfaces of the teeth.

After that, the doctor should proceed to the removal of soft deposits from the opposite side and complete the procedure, preferably on mandible complete cleaning of the anterior teeth.

In general, the maxillary teeth should be cleaned from their distal surfaces, moving on to the anterior teeth.

It is believed that the timely removal of dental plaque is especially important for the prevention of the development of various more serious periodontal diseases. After all, it has long been known that dental plaque irritates and significantly compresses the gingival margin itself, which in the end can lead to injuries and inflammation.

It is not so easy for an ordinary patient to understand medical terminology: sometimes the names of certain diseases cause not only excitement, but also fear, but in fact they turn out to be familiar caries or inflammation of the gums. It is the same with dental plaques, because in fact it is the same plaque light gray shade, only under a different name and with a different composition. Plaques begin to form already in the first 2 hours after brushing the dentition, and are an accumulation of various bacteria that are tightly attached to the outer surface of the teeth.

A similar phenomenon occurs both on one tooth and on a whole row, and is most often formed in various depressions on the teeth, smooth surfaces, and also fissures. As the plaque gradually develops, its composition changes along with it. It all depends on what we eat and how much. As a rule, among the bacteria in the plaque, one can find streptococci, neisseria and other microorganisms. Most of them are acid-forming. To dental plaque fully formed, it takes from 1 to 1.5 weeks.

Causes of plaque formation

• Neglect of oral hygiene
• Bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol)

Modern dentistry distinguishes 4 types of dental plaques: subgingival, supragingival, as well as plaques on the teeth and in the interdental spaces. To determine the presence of such a phenomenon in a patient, as well as to make an accurate diagnosis, dentist Minsk holds laboratory diagnostics(microbiological and biochemical studies) and examination of the oral cavity. Only after drawing up an individual treatment plan, all the necessary procedures begin to be carried out.

How to get rid of dental plaque

Tooth plaque can lead to the development of serious dental diseases (caries, gingivitis, periodontitis), so it should be disposed of on time. To protect your teeth from this phenomenon, dentists carry out such a procedure as professional cleaning teeth, during which all deposits are removed from the surface of the dentition. You can carry out a similar procedure at the Family Dentistry Center in Minsk. Thanks to modern equipment, highly qualified doctors and medical sedation, removing tartar and plaque without pain and discomfort has become a reality.

If the plaque on the teeth is still young enough, it will be easy to get rid of it by rinsing the mouth with special solutions, but when the deposits on the teeth develop into solid formations, there is only the help of specialists.

Prevention

First of all, you need to visit a doctor regularly and follow all the rules of oral hygiene. When choosing a toothpaste, give preference to products that contain fluoride or triclosan, and when purchasing a toothbrush, you should not choose soft or hard bristles, it is better if the brush is medium degree rigidity or even electrical. If you can’t brush your teeth immediately after eating, rinse your mouth with water or eat carrots, an apple (solid foods help clean enamel). Fans of eating before bedtime should give up such a habit that is so detrimental to the dentition. Take care of the health of your teeth, and your smile will be able to delight with its whiteness and beauty for many years.