Oral biofilms. Mechanical and chemical control measures

PhD ceremony: Mr. M.J. Verkaik, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Title: Oral biofilms. Mechanical and chemical control measures

Promotor(s): prof. H.C. van der Mei, prof. H.J. Busscher, prof. F. Abbas

Faculty: Medical Sciences

The consequences of dental plaque in terms of caries and periodontal disease are well known, in addition to the importance of oral hygiene and tooth brushing. Various fundamental research questions are present concerning the relationships between plaque and its removal. In this research project a model was developed to study brushing techniques and tooth pastes.

The dental plaque model consisted of two bacterial strains to resemble the complex situation in the oral cavity. Powered brushes were more effective than regular hand brushes, but using the powered version was not sufficient to remove all dental plaque. Tooth pastes containing natural ingredients were effective from an antimicrobial point of view. Patient studies are required to translate the findings from this research to daily practice.