This is why we advocate brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once daily. Careful teeth cleaning mechanically removes and disrupts the bacterial plaque, leaving a clean tooth surface. While large numbers of these bacteria can be removed with a thorough cleaning, sufficient numbers remain to recolonize the teeth. It is more difficult for these bacteria to recolonize a clean tooth surface. In fact, there is a certain order to the recolonization process, and this sequential colonization is dependent upon a specific environment in the mouth.
Clean teeth make it difficult for pioneering bacteria to stick to teeth.
Two common organisms, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis , are competitive pioneering bacteria. Simple, effective oral hygiene procedures can help achieve this result by frequently disrupting succession of plaque colonization. With a low sugar diet, the frequent disruption of plaque can favor the preferential growth of S. sanguis . To reduce the possibility of decay and gum disease, a frequent, organized regimen of homecare and regular dental visits are necessary. The gingival index, the plaque index and the retention index system.