Oral hygiene abilities and habits
Oral bacteria organizes into sophisticated colonies called plaque and or biofilms. These plaque biofilms reproduce every 24 hours and reorganize into pathologenic colonies every 10 days. Studies indicate the best method of controlling plaque is through mechanical action.
Modern toothbrush designs enable the successful removal of plaque at the tongue, cheek and biting surfaces of the teeth. Most electric toothbrushes are moderately more effective than conventional toothbrushes because of the use of timing devices.
Brushing must be done at least two times per day (a.m. and before bedtime) and should be performed for a minimum of 90 seconds each time.
The surfaces between the teeth and under the gumline are the areas that attract the greatest amount of plaque. Interdental (in between) cleaning devices include: floss, interdental brushes (Interclean, Braun/Oral B, Proxi-Tip, AIT Dental), oral irrigating devices (Waterpiks) and wooden sticks.
Plaque retention and its associated bacterial presence can also be affected by irregular alignment of teeth, missing teeth, incomplete eruption of teeth, old or defective restorations, tooth surface irregularities, and untreated decay.
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