Mechanical Plaque Control: Principles, Methods, and Importance in Preventive Dentistry. A Review Article

Abstract

Dental plaques are a complex, adhesive biofilm that builds up on tooth surfaces and contains a variety of bacteria, nutritional leftovers, and salivary proteins. This biofilm is thought to play a major role in a number of oral health issues that afflict people throughout their lifetimes, such as periodontal diseases and carious lesions. Within hours of teeth cleaning, the creation process begins. If it is not removed every day, it can mineralize into calculus, creating further management difficulties and raising the risk of dental infections. Even though plaque has a natural tendency to accumulate, daily use of good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, interdental cleaning, and professional dental care, has shown great effectiveness in reducing plaque accumulation and associated health risks. Plaque control means the regular removal and prevention of accumulations of the dental plaque on the teeth and adjacent gingival surfaces, which is broadly classified in to two groups: Chemical plaque control and Mechanical plaque control, which includes toothbrushes, floss, interdental sticks, interdental brushes, and oral irrigators. These aids are particularly beneficial for eliminating dental plaque . This study summarizes the information that is currently known on the kind of mechanical plaque management that can assist to maintain appropriate plaque control and stop or slow the development of dental caries and periodontal disorders.