ASC Acta Stomatol Croat, Vol. 34, br. 4, 2000. 421 The Polishing of Teeth with Abrasive Pastes as a Procedure in Preventive Caries Summary The aim of this study was to stress the importance of periodical removal of hard and soft sediments as well as of dental surface pol- ishing. A clinical examination was performed among 18 fifth year students of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb. The use of Caries Risk Test (Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) showed the amount of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in the saliva. Based an the results obtained, we polished the teeth with Proxyt pastes for cleaning and polishing, each being of different abrasive value, deter- mined by the producer and labelled as RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion). After polishing the test was repeated. The results achieved were com- pared to data previously obtained and showed that dental surface polishing and removal of hard dental sediments have been neglected. Key words: polishing, plaque, bacteria. Bernard JankoviÊ Vlatko PanduriÊ Ivana Ciglar Alena KneæeviÊ Jozo ©utalo Department of Restorative Dentistry School of Dental Medicine University of Zagreb Acta Stomat Croat 2000; 421-423 PROFESSIONAL PAPER Received: June 23, 2000 Address for correspondence: Dr. Bernard JankoviÊ Department of Restorative Dentistry School of Dental Medicine University of Zagreb GunduliÊeva 5, 10000 Zagreb Croatia Introduction The enamel surface is covered with an organic membrane called pellicula. This membrane is formed 30 minutes after cleaning/brushing the teeth. In time, this pellicula is covered by carbohydrates from food, peeled cells of the epithelium and bacteria, which causes the pellicula to become thicker and a formation called dentobacteria plaque is created. Bacteria that colonize the plaque consist of normal flora of the oral cavity, the most important of which are Streptoccocus mutans and Lactobacillus. These bacteria transform glucoses from food into weak organic acids (lactic, pyruvic, butyric etc.) which then defound through the plaque to the surface of the tooth and provoke demineralisation. If this process lasts for a longer period it can cause tooth cavitation. It should be mentioned that the saliva contains puffer systems (bicarbonate, protein, phosphate) with the task of neutralising acids and preventing the demineralisation of hard tooth tissues (1,2). These systems, however, are efficient in the earlier phase of plaque creation. However, with maturing of the plaque and increase in its thickness, it becomes inpenetrable for the saliva and the puffer system it contains. Accumulation and agregation of the plaque can be prevented with frequent use of a toothbrush and pastes with the addition of fluoride. Completely mature plaque is a creation which firmly sticks to the tooth surface and can only be removed mechan- ically, using polishing gums and abrasive pastes