The most basic means of the prevention of periodontitis is the plaque control done everyday by yourself. Because, the leading cause of dental caries or periodontitis is the plaque, the colonizing bacteria in the oral cavity, it is necessary for the prevention of the diseases to remove such a plaque regularly, that is plaque control.

The concrete means of plaque control is, first of all, brushing by a toothbrush. The bacteria sticking to the surface of teeth make the colonies called biofilm that barriered against medicines. These biofilm plaque can be destroyed and removed by brushing in correct manner.

Although it is estimated that the most part of people have a habit of brushing in Japan, dental caries and periodontitis are not eradication. That is because plaque control is different from "brushing teeth". Only by moving a toothbrush, plaque can't be removed. For the correct plaque control, it is necessary to master the correct manner of brushing.

However, a research said that only by brushing, only 50% to 70% of plaque can be removed. Then, we need the interdental cleaning (flossing) by dental floss or interdental brushes. Although flossing is very popular in Western countries and has 50% more penetration rate in United States, it is still minor in Japan. However, a research said that 90% more plaque can be removed by the combination of brushing and flossing. Flossing is said to be an effective way to prevent dental caries or periodontitis.