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.
Materials and 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 highlights 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.