International Journal of Medical Dentistry 139 DENTAL PLAQUE – CLASSIFICATION, FORMATION, AND IDENTIFICATION Abstract The aim of this study was to present the most effective and easiest ways to diagnoze dental plaque, and to distin‑ guish some modern and effective methods for its removal. Materials and method. The study was performed on 34 patients aged between 19‑42 years. For dental plaque detection, the (QHT) index in two different ‑ initial and fnal – stages, was used. For the removal of sub-gingival and supra‑gingival soft and hard deposits, scaling was used, as well as AIR FLOW professional brushing for plauqe removal. Results and discussion. Evaluation of the QHT index showed the presence of of dental plaque 100% of cases. All patients were subjected to post‑treatment, the QHT index showing a 100% removal of plaque after AIR FLOW application, and a 86% one, respectively, after pro‑ fessional cleaning. Conclusions. Dental plaque diagnosis using colors solutions is one of the easiest and fastest ways to diagnose dental plaque, which favors its subsequent removal under premanent control. When using air fow, dental plaque removal approaches a 100% ratio. Keywords: dental plaque, AIR FLOW, professional clean‑ ing, index, bacteria. INTRODUCTION The theme of this study is quite captivating through the way of its approach, evolution and frequency. Even if we live in an age of lumines‑ cence, all domains, including medicine, address‑ ing patients with dental plaque appears as more imposing only with other concomitant diseases. Throughout life, all interface surfaces of the body are exposed to colonization by a wide range of microorganisms. Generally, the established microbiota live in harmony with the host. Con‑ stant renewal of the surfaces by shedding pre‑ vents the accumulation of large masses of microorganisms. In the mouth, however, teeth provide hard, non‑shedding surfaces for the development of extensive bacterial deposits. The accumulation and metabolism of bacteria on DENTAL PLAQUE – CLASSIFICATION, FORMATION, AND IDENTIFICATION Viorica CHETRUŞ 1 , I.R. ION 2 1. Assoc. prof. PhD, Therapeutical Dental Dept., Medical Dentistry Faculty, Chisinau, Rep. of Moldova 2. Assoc. resident III rd year Therapeutical Dental Dept., Medical Dentistry Faculty, Chisinau, Rep. of Moldova Contact person: Viorica Chetrus, e‑mail: viorica_1966@yahoo.com hard oral surfaces is considered the primary cause of dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis. Massive deposits are regularly associated with localized diseases of the subjacent hard or soft tissues. In 1 mm 3 of dental plaque weighing approximately 1 mg, more than 10 8 bacteria are present. Although over 300 species have been isolated and characterized in these deposits, it is still not possible to identify all present species. [1] CLASSIFICATION OF DENTAL PLAQUE The dental plaque is differentiated into two categories by Pavel Godoroja and Olga Dul‑ ghieru 2004 [2], namely: supra‑ and sub‑gingival. Supra‑gingival plaque at and above the dento‑ gingival junction is most commonly found at: • Gingival third of the crown of the tooth • Inter-proximal areas • Pits and fssures and also on other such surface with irregularities. Sub‑gingival plaque below the dento‑gingival junction is usually divided into: • Tooth adherent zone • Epithelial adherent zone • Non adherent zone [2]. FORMATION OF DENTAL PLAQUE BIO‑FILMS From the moment a baby passes through the birth canal and takes its frst breath, microbes begin to reside in its mouth. Later on, as teeth erupt, additional bacteria establish colonies on the tooth surfaces. Dental bacterial plaque is a bio‑film that adheres tenaciously to tooth Prophylaxis