Clinical report on plaque formation, distribution and maturation within the primary, mixed and permanent dentitions

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

The report described the formation distribution and maturation of dental plaque within the primary, mixed and
permanent dentitions. Design: Eight caries-free volunteers who were 4-6 years of age participated in the study. MATERIALS
AND

Methods

The children received prophylaxis and refrained from toothbrushing for 48 hours. The occurrence and
distribution of plaque in the primary dentition were assessed. One child continued the experiment from the age of 6 to 15.

Results

The recording of plaque was made and pictures were taken. In the primary dentition, 704 surfaces were assessed.
Significant difference between plaque on buccal and other surfaces was recorded (p< 0.001). In the mixed and permanent dentition plaque scores of 128 surfaces were recorded. Plaque scores of partially erupted posterior teeth and posterior teeth in full occlusion differed significantly with limited accumulation of occlusal plaque in the latter.

Conclusion

The report
highlighs that the most critical period for plaque accumulation is the time from tooth emergence to full occlusion, when the
tooth has a reduced participation in the mechanical oral function. As caries is a plaque induced disease, the potential to
caries development in children during tooth eruption is consequently high.

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