The Effect of Regular Professional Plaque Removal on Dental Caries in vivo

Abstract

This study aims to describe the histological and ultrastructural enamel reactions to regular disturbance/removal of dental plaque, using an in vivo caries model. Fourteen young volunteers undergoing orthodontic treatment participated in the study. To create local protected areas, orthodontic bands with a buccal space were placed in homologous pairs of premolars. One tooth in each pair served as control and had the band cemented for the entire test period of 5 weeks. The other band was removed weekly and the buccal surface cleaned, either by careful pumicing with a nonfluoride toothpaste, or by simple cleaning with a cotton pellet. Results indicated that 5 weeks with completely undisturbed plaque accumulation resulted in visible enamel demineralization in all 14 individuals, whilst a weekly performed professional plaque removal was able to prevent lesion progress independent of the cleaning procedure. It is therefore concluded that regular mechanical disturbance of dental plaque is able to suppress bacterial activity and hence caries development.

Outcomes of a Non-Operative Caries Treatment Programme for Children and Adolescents

“…One concept of the caries disease among others considers: (1) no or limited functional attrition, (2) microbial deposits, (3) fermentable carbohydrates and (4) time as necessary factors to develop caries [Holmen et al,1988;Thylstrup et al, 1994]. In accordance with Sögaard [1986], the clinical experience of the authors has been that it is extremely diffi cult to control children's consumption of fermentable carbohydrates.…”

“…Co-operation was assessed using the risk indicators plaque accumulation [Holmen et al, 1988;Axelsson 1998] and gingival health [Thylstrup and Birkeland, 1986]. Previous caries experience is a strong predictor for future caries [Demers et al, 1990] also in non-cavitated stages [Klock and Krasse, 1979].…”

Results after two years of non-operative treatment of occlusal surface in children with high caries prevalence

“…Some authors have already reported that periodic toothcleaning (13) or simply periodic plaque disturbance (14) can control disease. Programs based on patient education, intensive home-based plaque control and professional toothcleaning can control dental caries (7,15,16).…”

Estudo 'in situ' do efeito remineralizador da saliva e do flúor após profilaxia com jato de bicarbonato de sódio sobre o esmalte hígido

“…Desta forma, enfoque maior passou a ser dado ao controle do biofilme dentário como provável medida preventiva para o desenvolvimento da cárie dentária 13,14,15,16,21,63,66 .…”

“…A partir da etiologia da doença periodontal e principalmente da cárie dentária, diversos autores relataram a importância do controle mecânico do biofilme dentário como medida preventiva efetiva 13,14,15,16,21,63 , destacando-se o controle profissional por meio do jato de bicarbonato de sódio 78,81,82,94,108,120,126 .…”