Volume: 45 Issue: 1
Year: 2025, Page: 14-22, Doi: https://doi.org/10.51248/v45i1.141
Dental plaque, or "oral biofilm," is a resilient layer that adheres to tooth surfaces, resistant to rinsing. Composed of salivary glycoproteins and microbial products, it includes both organic elements (polysaccharides, proteins, lipids) and inorganic components (calcium, fluoride). Promoting oral health can significantly reduce oral diseases while improving quality of life, especially in India, where common issues include periodontal disease, dental caries, and oral cancer. Dental caries affect 60% to 80% of children, driven by factors like genetics, poor hygiene, and trauma. Preventive measures are crucial for managing oral health issues. Recommended practices include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, replacing toothbrushes regularly, daily flossing, using interdental cleaners, and tongue scraping. Regular dental visits are essential for check-ups, diagnostic X-rays, and preventive care, all vital for maintaining optimal oral hygiene and overall health.
Keywords: Toothbrushing; oral hygiene; dentifrice; dental devices home care; health
Anju Rana , Lucky Pal, Somya Budhiraja , Miroun Mushtaq , Manish Saini , Yashika Choudhary, Prashant Kumar. From Plaque to Perfect: Essentials of Oral Hygiene. Biomedicine: 2025, 45(1): 14-22