94page

Proper maintenance of oral hygiene is an area of self- care that requires both active and defensive periodontal treatments. Plaque control is one such treatment that individuals can maintain on their own, typically leading to positive results over the long term. The purpose of plaque control is to decrease the amount of bacteria on tooth surfaces or between teeth, stimulate blood circula- tion and defend the periodontium against the invasion of external substances. Mechanical plaque control 1. Toothbrush The first step in proper plaque control is regular tooth- brushing. The bristles of a toothbrush can be divided into two types: those made of natural fibers (animal hair), and those made of synthetic fiber (nylon). When con- sidering the consistency of the bristles, the uniformity of size, overall elasticity and the ability to repel water or food debris, nylon is superior to natural fiber. Nylon bristles can vary according to hardness, with hard bristles being more effective at removing plaque and softer bristles do- ing less damage to the periodontium. If one’s toothbrush begins to show wear within the first one or two weeks, or shows none whatsoever after six months, you may need to reconsider your toothbrushing method. It is recom- mended to change your toothbrush after three months of standard usage. 2. Interdental cleaner Interdental cleaners are liquids that clean the exposed root surfaces and large spaces between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss is the most com- mon option, used when these spaces are occupied by gingival soft tissue. For those with slight gum reces- sion between the teeth, an interdental toothbrush can be very effective, with a large interdental toothbrush being necessary when more extreme recession occurs. 3. Oral irrigation devices, Waterpik Oral irrigation devices are designed to use hydraulic pressure to rinse and remove debris from tooth surfaces, gums and the spaces between the teeth. They tend to be more effective against less adhesive forms of food debris and unattached oral microorganisms, and are therefore highly practical around orthodontic appliances and fixed prosthesis. Chemical plaque control A patient’s risk for periodontal disease can only be mea- sured from their personal history, with genetics, smok- ing, diabetes and various leukocyte deficiencies being among the risk factors. Bearing this in mind, plaque control above the gum line remains the most effective method for controlling gingivitis and preventing a recur- rence of periodontitis. The biggest challenge for prevent- ing these diseases, it seems, is maintaining consistent oral hygiene routines. Many patients brush their teeth for shorter periods of time and on fewer occasions than recommended and often miss the tooth surfaces prone to plaque accumulation, such as the molar interprox- imal, lower lingual and upper buccal areas. Even with increased awareness through social media, gingivitis re- mains a common disease, which implies that methods of mechanical plaque control alone (brushing, flossing, etc.) are inadequate for many people, hence the neces- sity for effective and easy-to-use chemical plaque con- trol agents. The most readily accessible products in this category are mouth rinses, which contain supplementary flavoring agents, coloring agents, preservatives such as sodium benzoate and occasionally foaming agents. Chlorhexi- dine spray in particular can be used for plaque control for patients with mental and physical disabilities. In addi- tion, chewing gum that contains chlorhexidine has been shown to be an effective supplement to toothbrushing in plaque and gingivitis studies. Overall, practicing prop- er toothbrushing techniques and the appropriate use of other oral care tools, along with regular visits to the den- tist for professional care, are paramount for maintaining good oral health. PLaquE COntrOL HoW To MAINTAIN GooD orAL HYGIENE uSING prEvENTIvE, INTrAorAL THErApIES For more information or reservations, call Ms. Kelly Soe, the English coordinator at Yonsei University Dental Hospital. +82 2 2228 8998 +82 2 363 0396 idc@yuhs.ac 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul www.yuhs.or.kr/ en/hospitals/dent_ hospital/Conserv_ dentist/Intro COLumn • YONSEI UNIVERSITY DENTAL HOSPITAL SEONG HO CHOI, DDS, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Periodontology Yonsei University Dental Hospital