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antiplaque
Describing substances, such as chlorhexidine gluconate and triclosan, used to control the formation of dental plaque.
bacteriophage
(phage) n. a virus that attacks bacteria. In general, a phage consists of a head, tail, and tail fibres, all composed of protein molecules, and a core of DNA. The tail and tail fibres are responsible ...
bioburden
The number of micro-organisms with which an object is contaminated. It is usually measured in colony forming units (CFU) per gram of product. Bioburden testing is performed to determine the number ...
biofilm
n. an organized layer of microorganisms that forms on a surface. Biofilm may be implicated in several disease processes, including dental infections (see plaque), endocarditis, infections of surgical ...
bottle brush
A cylindrical brush usually used for cleaning bottles but adapted for use in dentistry for the removal of interproximal plaque. The brushes are available in different sizes so as to provide an ...
calculus
A stone formed in an organ or duct; a concretion, usually of mineral salts, that forms in the body (the process of lithiasis). Kidney stones are usually of calcium oxalate.
caries
n. decay and crumbling of the substance of a tooth (see dental caries) or a bone. —carious adj.
caries prevention
Activities and methods designed to stop the initiation of caries. Measures include reducing the amount and particularly the frequency of sugary intakes in the diet, modifying the saliva, mechanical ...
casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate
(CCP-ACP)A casein derived peptide, with added calcium and phosphate. It provides a phosphate and calcium reservoir when included within dental plaque and on the surface of the tooth. Amorphous ...
chlorhexidine gluconate
A member of the bisguanide group of antiseptics used as a mouthwash, gel, spray, varnish, or irrigant. It is effective at inhibiting plaque regrowth and the development of gingivitis. It has a bitter ...
demineralization
A loss or removal of mineral salts from the tissues of the body. It occurs in dentine and enamel as part of the carious process. Enamel starts to demineralize when the plaque or saliva pH drops below ...
dental caries
Decay and disintegration of tooth enamel and dentine due to acids produced by bacterial plaque. Plaque is an example of a biofilm, and bacterial behaviour may be quite different in such an ...
dextran
n. a carbohydrate, consisting of branched chains of glucose units, that is a storage product of bacteria and yeasts. Preparations of dextran solution are used in transfusions, to increase the volume ...
disclosing agent
A tablet or liquid which when applied to the tooth surface renders bacterial plaque more visible. An erythrosine dye stains plaque red but two tone solutions stain older plaque blue and more recent ...
erythrocine
A red dye used to disclose plaque deposits on the tooth surfaces. It is used in both liquid and tablet form. See also disclosing agent.
floss
N.Waxed or unwaxed thread or tape used to remove plaque and food debris from the interproximal spaces between the teeth. The floss is placed in the gingival crevice (sulcus) and, by pressure against ...
gingivitis
(jin-ji-vy-tis)inflammation of the gums, which become swollen and bleed easily, caused by plaque at the necks of the teeth.
gliosis
Scar tissue resulting when damaged astrocytes (large neuroglial cells in the brain) form plaque, resulting in a form of sclerosis. [From Greek glia glue + -osis indicating a process or state]
Greene–Vermillion index
A simplified oral hygiene index with a debris (plaque) and calculus component, first described by J. Greene and J. R. Vermillion in 1964. Six tooth surfaces are scored, four posterior and two ...
