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