Biofilm removal and gingival abrasion with medium and soft toothbrushes.

PURPOSE: To compare the removal of dental biofilm with soft and medium filament toothbrushes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients refrained from performing mechanical or chemical plaque control for 96 hours prior to the experiment in order to allow dental biofilm accumulation on the tooth surfaces. After the period of dental biofilm accumulation, quadrants were randomised and participants brushed different quadrants with soft and medium toothbrushes, with or without dentifrice. After plaque disclosure, the Quigley-Hein (Turesky) plaque index was assessed by a blinded examiner before and after toothbrushing. In addition, photographs before and after brushing were taken for evaluation of gingival abrasion. RESULTS: The results revealed that medium toothbrushes removed high amounts of dental biofilm compared to soft toothbrushes (P < 0.05). Considering gingival abrasion, intergroup analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference on the cervical regions, with a higher proportion of abrasions in the medium toothbrush group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Medium toothbrushes have a greater ability to remove biofilm and cause gingival abrasion than do soft toothbrushes.

Pulp therapy in primary teeth--profile of teaching in Brazilian dental schools.

This study investigates the profile of teaching primary tooth pulp therapy practiced by Brazilian dental schools. A multiple-choice questionnaire was sent by e-mail to 191 dental schools in Brazil, addressed to the pediatric dentistry Chairperson. The two-part survey consisting of multiple-choice questions regarding specific materials and techniques on pulp therapies, moreover, hypothetical clinical scenarios were presented so that the respondents could guide the treatment approach. The questionnaires were returned by 46.5% of the dental schools. Ninety-five percent of surveyed schools teach IPT for the treatment of deep carious lesions in dentin and indicate the calcium hydroxide as capping material (59.3%). The direct pulp capping is taught by 68.7% of schools and calcium hydroxide (97%) was the capping material most indicated. Pulpotomy is taught in 98.7% of schools and formocresol (1:5 dilution) was the medicament of choice (50%). All schools taught pulpectomy and Iodoform paste was the filling material preferred (55%). The results showed a lack of consensus in certain modalities and techniques for primary tooth pulp therapy taught by Brazilian dental schools.