Overview
Dental plaque is a biofilm composed of bacteria, salivary polymers, and remnants of epithelial cells that adheres to tooth surfaces, contributing significantly to dental caries and periodontal disease 1.Diagnosis
Visual inspection and probing for plaque accumulation 1.
No specific diagnostic tests; clinical assessment is primary 1.Management
Oral Hygiene Education: Emphasize regular brushing and flossing techniques 1.
Professional Cleaning: Periodic scaling and polishing to remove plaque 1.
Antimicrobial Agents: Consideration of antimicrobial mouth rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine) for high-risk individuals 1.Special Populations
Pediatrics: Focus on parental education and supervised brushing techniques 1.
Elderly: Increased attention to dexterity issues affecting oral hygiene practices 1.Key Recommendations
Enhance educational programs for dental professionals on proper techniques for managing primary teeth, including local analgesia and restorative procedures 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
Implement regular oral hygiene education for patients, particularly emphasizing children and elderly individuals, to improve plaque control 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
Utilize professional dental cleanings as part of routine care to manage plaque accumulation effectively 1 (Evidence: Moderate).References
1 Foley J. A comparison of knowledge of local analgesia, pulp therapy and restoration of primary molar teeth amongst dental students, dentists and dental therapists within a dental hospital setting. European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry 2007. link