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Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay, [2] and is handled differently by countries across the world. Fluoridated water contains fluoride at a level that is proven effective for preventing cavities ; this can occur naturally or by adding fluoride. [ 2 ]
Dental caries result when the demineralization rate is faster than the remineralization, producing net mineral loss, which occurs when there is an ecologic shift within the dental biofilm from a balanced population of microorganisms to a population that produces acids and can survive in an acid environment.
Oral hygiene practices involve the mechanical removal of plaque from hard tissue surfaces [24] Cariogenic bacteria levels in the plaque determine whether caries will occur or not, therefore, effective removal of plaque is paramount. [25] The removal of plaque inhibits demineralisation of teeth, and increases opportunities for remineralization.
Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms (mostly bacteria, but also fungi) that grows on surfaces within the mouth. It is a sticky colorless deposit at first, but when it forms tartar , it is often brown or pale yellow.
A 1930s poster from the Work Projects Administration promoting oral hygiene. Tooth decay is the most common global disease. [14] Over 80% of cavities occur inside fissures in teeth where brushing cannot reach food left trapped after eating and saliva and fluoride have no access to neutralize acid and remineralize demineralized teeth, unlike easy-to-clean parts of the tooth, where fewer ...
In addition to brushing, cleaning between teeth may help to prevent build-up of plaque bacteria on the teeth. This may be done with dental floss or interdental brushes.. 80% of cavities occur in the grooves, or pits and fissures, of the chewing surfaces of the teeth, [4] however, there is no evidence currently showing that normal at-home flossing reduces the risk of cavities in these areas.
A dynamic equilibrium exists notably between the bacteria of dental plaque and the host's immune system, enabling the plaque to stay behind in the mouth when other biofilms are washed away. [19] In equilibrium, the bacterial biofilm produced by the fermentation of sugar in the mouth is quickly swept away by the saliva, except for dental plaque.
Removal of microbial plaque and calculus is necessary to establish periodontal health. The first step in the treatment of periodontitis involves nonsurgical cleaning below the gum line with a procedure called "root surface instrumentation" or "RSI", this causes a mechanical disturbance to the bacterial biofilm below the gumline. [ 59 ]