Plaque removal

Mechanical removal of plaque is the most effective measure against plaque-caused diseases, dental caries, and periodontal diseases. Even before the advent of fluoride treatments, it was assumed that a clean tooth does not decay. A toothbmsh is effective in removing dental plaque and, for those individuals who optimize its use, it usually can adequately control plaque. Despite the proven efficacy of mechanical plaque removal, the amount of patient involvement is such that only about 30% of the population in developed countries and considerably less in undeveloped countries can be expected to adequately remove plaque (1). Hence, supplementary measures such as dentifrices and dental rinses are necessary. 

Studies have shown that compliance with toothbmshing would be severely impaired if the bmshing regimen did not include dentifrices. Thus, the role of dentifrices in plaque control is to enhance the toothbmshing experience and thereby enhance the results. Dentifrices have tittle direct effect on plaque removal or accumulation unless they contain agents that have specific antiplaque properties. 

Suzuki, J., Tokiwa, T., Mochizuki, M. 2008. Effects of a newly designed toothbrush for the application of periodontal disease treatment medicine (Hinopron) on the plaque removal and the improvement of gingivitis. 50 30-38. 

We make a product called Interplak. The electromechanical design for this home plaque-removal device is done in Germany and Japan. The batteries are supplied from Japan, the motors are built in the People s Republic of China, the charging base is made in Hong Kong, the precision molded plastic pieces are manufactured in Atlanta, the brush head is made in Ohio, and the final assembly is done in Mexico. ... 

Methods to Detect and Quantitate Viral Agents in Fluids. In order to assess the effectiveness of membrane filtration the abihty to quantitate the amount of vims present pre- and post-filtration is critical. There are a number of techniques used. The method of choice for filter challenge studies is the plaque assay which utilizes the formation of plaques, localized areas in the cell monolayer where cell death caused by viral infection in the cell has occurred on the cell monolayer. Each plaque represents the presence of a single infectious vims. Vims quantity in a sample can be determined by serial dilution until the number of plaques can be accurately counted. The effectiveness of viral removal may be determined, as in the case of bacterial removal, by comparing the vims concentration in the input suspension to the concentration of vims in the effluent. 

Abrasive. Dentifrices have the unique ability to remove extrinsic tooth stains, which are caused by agents such as berries, tea, smoking, antibiotics, and certain bacteria as they attach to the dental pellicle. These stains can be removed only by abrasive cleaning a toothbmsh alone is not adequately effective. It has been shown that only 4% of a test population were able to maintain thein teeth in an acceptably stain-free state without an abrasive and that 18% of the population were "heavy" stainers (2). However, colored materials found in dental plaque are removable without abrasives. 

Surfa.cta.nt, The primary purpose of a surfactant in toothpaste is to create a foam while the teeth are bmshed. This foam provides an enjoyable sensation. Secondarily, the surfactant helps remove material dislodged by the toothbmsh, and it may have minor effects on plaque accumulation (see Surfactants). 

A deatal riase containing sodium lauryl sulfate, marketed to be used before toothbmshiag, removes some plaque directly and makes residual plaque easier to remove by bmshing. 

Rockwell hardness Sheets or plaques at least 0.25 in. thick are used. This thickness may be built up of thinner pieces, if necessary. A steel ball under a minor load is applied to the surface of the specimen. This indents the specimen slightly and assures good contact. The gauge is then set at zero. Basically the major (higher) load is applied for 15 seconds and removed, leaving the minor load still applied. The indentation remaining after 15 seconds is read directly off the testing equipment dial. 

Topical antipsoriatics are drugs used in the treatment of psoriasis (a chronic skin disease manifested by bright red patches covered with silvery scales or plaques). These drug help remove tiie plaques associated with this disorder. Examples of antipsoriatics include antiiralin (Anthra-Derm) and calcipotriene (Dovonex). 

The sequestering agent tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) removes calcium and magnesium from the saliva, so they can t deposit on teeth as insoluble deposits called tartar (calcified plaque). In this respect it acts as a water-softening agent. However, it won t remove tartar that already exists. 

Hemostasis is the cessation of bleeding from a cut or severed vessel, whereas thrombosis occurs when the endothelium lining blood vessels is damaged or removed (eg, upon rupmre of an atherosclerotic plaque). These processes encompass blood clotting (coagulation) and involve blood vessels, platelet aggregation, and plasma proteins that cause formation or dissolution of platelet aggregates. 

Yellow fevert Aqueous homogenate of chick embryos infected with attenuated yellow fever virus 170 1 Centrifugation to remove cell debris 2 Freeze drying Infectivity-titration in cell cultures by plaque assay Tests to exclude extraneous viruses... 

Fig. 2. Pathophysiological sequence of events in periodontal disease. Bacteria produce byproducts (e.g. toxins or enzymes) which, along with mucus, constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on teeth. If not removed, plaque can harden and form bacteria-harboring tartar around teeth. Tissue that attaches the gums to the teeth can be destroyed by the irritants of plaque. If this is the case, gums pull away from the teeth and small pockets arise between the teeth and gums. The pockets then become filled with more plaque, deepen, and it becomes impossible to clean plaque out. At this stage the bone structure supporting teeth can actually be destroyed (courtesy of Drs J. Chavez and S.E. Zaragoza, El Paso Community College, Texas, USA).

Lesions are characterized by sharply demarcated, erythematous papules and plaques often covered with silver-white fine scales. Initial lesions are usually small papules that enlarge over time and coalesce into plaques. If the fine scale is removed, a salmon-pink lesion is exposed, perhaps with punctate bleeding from prominent dermal capillaries (Auspitz sign). 

Angioplasty may take between 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete. It begins with a distinctive dye that is injected into the bloodstream. A thin catheter is then inserted into the femoral artery of the leg, near the groin. The doctor monitors the path of the dye using x-rays. He moves the tube through the heart and into the plaque-filled artery. He inflates the balloon, creating more space, deflates the balloon, and removes the tube. It is important to note that the plaque has not been removed it has just been compressed against the sides of the artery. Sometimes, a stent may be implanted, a tiny tube of stainless steel that is expandable when necessary. Its function is to keep the artery open. 

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