Teeth plaque removal

To help clean teeth by removing dental plaque... 

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). 

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. 

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).

The most important form of protection against caries involves avoiding sweet substances (foods containing saccharose, glucose, and fructose). Small children in particular should not have very sweet drinks freely available to them. Regular removal of plaque by cleaning the teeth and hardening of the dental enamel by fluoridization are also important. Fluoride has a protective effect because fluoroapatite (see A) is particularly resistant to acids. 

A number of devices aid in the removal of plaque from surfaces between teeth, around bridgework, and in other areas that are difficult to reach. The limitation of many of these devices is that they are effective for control of supragingival plaque but, at best, can remove subgingival plaque only to a depth of few millimeters. Therefore, they are of minimal value against subgingival plaque located deeper within the gingival crevice, as is the case in periodontal disease. 

Lamb DJ, Howell RA, Constable G Removal of plaque and stain from natural teeth by a low abra-... 

Most of the microorganisms are bound and/or mechanically removed via discharge of mucus from the upper respiratory tract, or via the urine, saliva, and tears, or by entrapment and elimination in the intestinal contents before they have the opportunity to multiply. Some adhere to inert bodily structures. For example. Streptococcus mutans attaches to the enamel surface of the teeth (tartar, plaque) in order to elicit dental caries [13],... 

Plaque that is not removed from the teeth becomes calcified from minerals in the saliva. The calcified plaque is known as tartar. It is possible to control tartar buildup by using toothpastes containing sodium pyrophosphate (Na P20y), which interferes with the mineral crystallization that causes tartar buildup. Beneath the gum line, tartar is a special problem because its presence makes it easier for plaque to grow, which irritates gum tissue and allows the gum to become diseased. Only a dentist or oral hygienist can remove tartar from beneath the gum line. By keeping teeth free from plaque and from prolonged contact with the acids produced by plaque bacteria, we can preserve the hard, stonelike enamel of the tooth. 

Most tooth problems are directly related to dental plaque. This is a whitish substance that collects on teeth and gums, which is removed by brushing. About 70% of plaque is made up of millions of bacteria, which lodge in a mass of insoluble carbohydrate. Plaque starts with a deposit of salivary mucus on the teeth containing aerobic bacteria that need oxygen to develop. With time, anaerobic bacteria appear they are the principal cause of problems related to plaque. 

Cleaning Removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth, generally above the gum line. 

Dental Took. Many common dental tools are available for home use as part of a daily oral care routine. The most basic of dental tools is the toothbrush. Toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and stiffness. Patient age and oral condition determine the best toothbrush for each individual. Toothbrushes usually consist of a plastic handle with nylon brisdes that remove food, bacteria, and plaque that can lead to tartar and dental caries. Toothpaste is usually added to a toothbrush to aid in cleaning the teeth and freshening the mouth. Toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors and compositions and may contain polishing or bleaching agents. Dental floss is another basic tool used to remove food and debris from between the teeth. Floss is available in waxed and unwaxed formulations and in a variety of widths and thicknesses. Mouthwash is a rinse that prevents gum disease. Mouthwash is available in many flavors, but all types reduce the number of germs in the mouth that cause gingivitis. 

More sophisticated dental tools are used by dentists during dental examinations and procedures. A routine dental cleaning removes stains on the teeth, as well as tartar that brushing and flossing cannot remove. Polishing the teeth aids the dentist in visualizing the teeth and makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate on the surfece of the teeth. Mirrors, scrapers, scalers, and probes are essential in-office dental tools. 

Fruit is believed to be beneficial to the teeth on account of its cleansing action and effect in provoking salivation. However, the traditional apple removes plaque only from the smooth surfaces of the teeth which are not prone to caries and may be so acid that the saliva is unable to neutralize it. Cheese appears to have a greater protective effect (page 523). 

Every day, you use products containing substances that were developed and prepared by chemists. Soaps and shampoos contain chemicals that remove oils on your skin and scalp. When you brush your teeth, the substances in toothpaste clean your teeth, prevent plaque formation, and stop tooth decay. Some of the chemicals used to make toothpaste are listed in Table 1.1. 

Visits to the dentist help maintain good oral health. Dentists may remove plaque from teeth, or fill cavities to prevent further decay. Also, a dentist may apply a plastic sealant to the chewing surfaces of decay-free teeth as a preventative measure. 

Calcium ions are fixed into the biofilm by the attraction of carboxy-late functional groups on the polysaccharides. In fact, divalent cations, such as calcium and magnesium, are integral in the formation of gels in some extracellular polysaccharides. A familiar biofilm-induced mineral deposit is the calcium phosphate scale that the dental hygienist removes from teeth. When biofilms grow on tooth surfaces, they are referred to as plaques. If these plaques are not continually removed, they will accumulate calcium salts, mainly calcium phosphate, and form tartar (scale). 

Fissure sealing is a preventive technique carried out on newly erupted teeth. Deep fissures in such teeth may act as sites into which plaque and pellicle may become occluded, and it cannot be removed from these sites by brushing. Left undisturbed, this is likely to result in the development of caries. 

The fact that chlorhexidine, used as a mouthwash, discoloured the teeth, fillings and tongue, and could produce soreness of the mouth, was recorded in SED VIII. The substance has come more to the fore as a result of its promotion in the form of a gel for the removal of dental plaque as a meaits of treating chronic gingivitis. 

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