Dry brushing: Does it improve plaque removal? A secondary analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This article is a secondary analysis comparing the effects on plaque removal of brushing with a dry toothbrush and brushing with a prewetted toothbrush. METHODS: The participants had been included in two previous experiments involving single-brushing exercises. The 46 non-dental participants were systemically healthy and ≥18 years of age. In the first experiment, the control intervention was brushing with a prewetted toothbrush, while during the second experiment it was brushing with a dry toothbrush. Both experiments scored plaque before and after the brushing exercises and assessed participants' perception. The data of these two previous experiments were compared in this secondary analysis. RESULTS: Plaque score reduction following brushing with a dry toothbrush was 58%, while with a prewetted toothbrush, it was 57%. The mean plaque index score reduction of 0.08 between a dry and a prewetted toothbrush was not significant (P = .096). Prewetting the participants' toothbrush had no influence on the perception of toothbrush filament stiffness (P = .410) nor on the perception of cleaning capability (P = .449). In both experiments, brushing without dentifrice was judged to be unpleasant. CONCLUSION: On average, following a 2-minute brushing exercise, plaque scored were reduced by 57% or more. Dry brushing did not contribute significantly to toothbrush efficacy. The participants did not find that prewetting a toothbrush influenced the cleaning capability and filament stiffness.

The effect of tapered toothbrush filaments compared to end-rounded filaments on dental plaque, gingivitis and gingival abrasion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: This systematic review was performed to establish the effect of a manual toothbrush with tapered toothbrush filaments (TFTBs) compared to a manual toothbrush with end-rounded toothbrush filaments (ERTB) on clinical parameters of dental plaque, gingivitis and gingival abrasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane-CENTRAL databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were (randomized) controlled clinical trials, participants ≥18 years and papers evaluating the effect of a TFTB compared to an ERTB. Data were extracted for dental plaque index (PI), bleeding scores (BS), gingival index scores (GI) and gingival abrasion scores (GA). A descriptive analysis and a meta-analysis were performed when appropriate. RESULTS: An independent screening of 33 unique papers resulted in seven eligible publications, which included eight comparisons. Meta-analysis did not show a significant difference between TFTB and ERTB with respect to PI scores. The meta-analysis of the GI scores showed a significant mean difference in favour of the TFTB (DiffM=-0.12 [95% CI: -0.17; -0.07]). Of the three comparisons evaluating GA, no differences were found. CONCLUSION: With respect to plaque removal, evidence that supports the recommendation for usage of a TFTB over an ERTB is lacking. Regarding GI, there is minimal evidence favouring a TFTB over an ERTB and the clinical relevance of this difference is probably negligible. Therefore, based on the collective evidence emerging from this systematic review, the strength and direction of the recommendation, there appears to be no firm evidence for a dental healthcare professional to advise the use of a TFTB over the use of an ERTB.

A specific brushing sequence and plaque removal efficacy: a randomized split-mouth design.

AIM: It has been propagated by the dental care professionals to start toothbrushing the lingual aspect of teeth first. In general, it is assumed that these surfaces of teeth are more difficult to clean. The evidence to support this recommendation is sparse. METHOD: In this randomized controlled clinical trial using a split-mouth design, 46 students were included. Before the visit, the participants were requested to refrain from any oral hygiene procedure for 48 h. First, the plaque index (PI) score was assessed full mouth. Two randomly chosen contra-lateral quadrants were used to start brushing from the lingual aspect first. The opposing two quadrants were used to start brushing from the buccal aspect. After the brushing exercise was completed, full-mouth PI was scored again. Subanalyses were performed for the buccal, lingual and approximal surfaces. RESULTS: At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference between the two sets of contra-lateral quadrants (P = 0.770). Starting at the lingual aspect of the lower jaw resulted in a 55% reduction of plaque scores in comparison with 58% when the brushing exercise was started buccally. [Correction added on 16 January 2017, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the percentage reduction of plaque scores when the brushing exercise was started buccally, was previously wrong and has been corrected to 58% throughout this article.] The difference in mean plaque scores between brushing orders was 0.04, which was not significant (P = 0.219). None of the subanalyses revealed any significant differences for the isolated surfaces. CONCLUSION: Using a manual toothbrush reduced the plaque scores between 55 and 58% with no difference between brushing from either the lingual or buccal aspect first. Within the limitations of this study, a recommendation to start toothbrushing the lingual aspect is not supported by the outcome in this young student population.

The effect of a tooth/tongue gel and mouthwash regimen on morning oral malodour: A 3-week single-blind randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the effects of a regimen consisting of a tooth/tongue gel, tongue cleaner and mouthwash with the effects of using standard fluoride dentifrice on the organoleptic oral malodour score (ORG) and volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total, 66 non-dental students participated in a 3-week parallel, single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The test group used a tongue cleaner, a tooth/tongue gel and mouthwash containing amine fluoride/stannous fluoride and zinc lactate as oral malodour counteractive. The control group used a standard fluoride dentifrice. Measurements were taken in the morning at baseline, at days 1, 7 and 21. The primary outcome was the ORG score. The secondary outcome, the VSC measurement, was assessed using OralChroma™ (H2 S, CH3 SH, (CH3 )2 S) and Halimeter® . Tongue coating thickness and tongue discoloration were scored. At baseline and day 21, the participants' self-perceptions were assessed. RESULTS: At day 1 for the ORG, H2 S, CH3 SH and Halimeter® readings, a significant decrease was observed in the test group. At day 21, the decrease in H2 S and the Halimeter® outcomes were maintained for the test group, and a significant increase in tongue surface discoloration was observed. The test group evaluated their "morning breath upon awakening" as significantly better (P=.001) after 21 days. CONCLUSION: A significant overnight effect on morning oral malodour was observed for most of the parameters in favour of the test group. At day 21, the effect of prolonged use was significant for H2 S and the Halimeter® readings, although not for the primary ORG outcome parameter.

Efficacy of a rubber bristles interdental cleaner compared to an interdental brush on dental plaque, gingival bleeding and gingival abrasion: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To determine the efficacy of a rubber bristles interdental cleaner (RBIC) compared to an interdental brush (IDB) in reducing gingivitis and additionally to evaluate participants' attitudes and possible side effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a 2-treatment, parallel, split-mouth, examiner-blind RCT, evaluating the reversal of experimental gingivitis. In total, 42 systemically healthy volunteers were recruited that were currently non-users of interdental cleaning devices. After familiarization and prophylaxis, participants refrained from brushing mandibular teeth for 21 days, followed by 4-week product use of the assigned interdental cleaning device as adjunct to manual toothbrushing. Bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP), dental plaque index score (PI) and gingival abrasion score (GAs) were assessed in the lower jaw. RESULTS: Overall, no statistically significant differences between the RBIC and IDB in reducing BOMP and PI were obtained. Analysing the sites that were accessible for the RBIC/IDB only showed that the sites treated with the RBIC had significantly less BOMP after 4 weeks (P = .009). The RBIC also caused less GAs (P => .016) and was considered more pleasurable to use by the participants (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: In accessible sites, the RBIC, in conjunction with manual toothbrushing, was found to be more effective in reducing gingival inflammation after 4 weeks. The RBIC caused less abrasion of the gingiva and was appreciated more by the participants.

[A PhD completed. Trauma to the gingiva by oral hygiene aids and oral piercings]. / Tandvleesschade door mondhygiënemiddelen en mondpiercings.

Maintaining healthy teeth and soft oral tissue is important. Clinical research has shown manual toothbrushes with end-rounded filaments to cause significantly less gingival abrasions than those without end-rounding. Tapered filaments are an alternative to end-rounded filaments, but there is no solid evidence for their effectiveness. For the interdental spaces that the toothbrush doesn't reach, the use of special oral hygiene aids is advised. Clinical studies of gingivitis patients have shown that both interdental brushes and plastic-rubber bristles reduce gingivitis after 4 weeks of use. Plastic-rubber bristles result in a significant improvement in the tendency for interdental bleeding compared with interdental brushes, and they cause less abrasion of the gingiva. Other factors that can potentially traumatise soft and hard oral tissue are oral piercings. Wearing oral piercings is not without risk. Tongue and lip piercings are associated with the risk of gingival recession, and tongue piercings are associated with tooth fractures. To prevent the risk of complications, patients should be discouraged from wearing oral piercings.

The effects of different levels of brush end rounding on gingival abrasion: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of filament end rounding on gingival abrasions (GAs). METHODS: The study was a crossover, split-mouth, contra-lateral, double-blinded, randomized design using professional brushing. Three manual toothbrushes, with 0%, 40-50% and >90% end-rounded filaments, were investigated. Participants refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 48 h prior to each of the three visits. Prior to brushing, oral soft tissue (OST) and GAs were assessed. Based on the randomization, during every visit contra-lateral quadrants were brushed with one of the three test brushes. After brushing, GAs were re-assessed. The means of the GAs prebrushing and post-brushing and differences per brush were calculated. Subanalyses were performed based on the size of the abrasion and its location. RESULTS: A total of 46 generally healthy participants without periodontitis completed the study and provided a full data set. All brushes had statistically significant increases of abrasions following their use (P < 0.001). Non-end-rounded brushes provided significantly more GAs than did the 40-50% and the >90% brushes (P ≥ 0.001). A subanalysis showed that significantly more small-sized (P ≥ 0.002) abrasions located at the gingival margin (P < 0.001) occurred when a non-end-rounded brush was used. No significant differences were found between the 40-50% and >90% end-rounded brushes in any of the analyses. OST deviations were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this experiment involving professional brushing, it can be concluded that 40-50% or greater end-rounded filaments can provide a significant reduction in gingival abrasions compared to non-end-rounded filaments.

The effectiveness of a dentifrice without sodium lauryl sulphate on dental plaque and gingivitis - a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect on dental plaque and gingivitis of a dentifrice without sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) compared to two SLS-containing dentifrices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this double-blind, parallel study, 90 volunteers having moderate gingival inflammation (≥40%) were randomly divided among three groups: one group using non-SLS dentifrice containing enzymes, colostrum and low concentrations of zinc and two control groups each using different SLS-containing dentifrices. Dental plaque scores (Turesky modification of Quigley & Hein) and gingivitis scores (Bleeding On Marginal Probing) were assessed at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks. RESULTS: Eighty-nine participants provided evaluable data. A slight decrease in gingivitis scores was observed for all groups over 4 weeks, which was statistically significant for the non-SLS group. Mean values for dental plaque scores did not show major differences over 4 weeks. For both parameters, no significant differences between groups could be observed at any time point. Patient appreciation was in favour of the SLS groups especially regarding the foaming effect. CONCLUSION: No significant differences could be observed with respect to the effect on plaque and gingivitis between SLS-containing and SLS-free dentifrice containing enzymes, colostrum and low concentration zinc. Patients enjoyed the duration of taste and the 'foaming effect' of SLS-containing dentifrices better.

Effectiveness of various interventions on maintenance of gingival health during 1 year - a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Rinsing with the combined use of an oxygenating-agent (OA) and chlorhexidine (CHX) in addition to mechanical oral hygiene could improve and/or maintain good gingival health over a long period. METHODS: This study had an examiner-blinded, randomized, six-group parallel design consisting of two-phases: a 3-week treatment phase and a subsequent 12-month experimental phase. A total of 267 subjects in good general health (≥18 years), without periodontitis, with at least five teeth per quadrant, and with moderate to advanced gingivitis were enrolled. A 3-week treatment phase was initiated to improve gingival health. Subjects were assigned to one of the six groups: two basic oral hygiene groups (Control I & II), one professional oral hygiene instruction group (OHI), one professional prophylaxis group (PP), an OA&CHX rinse group and a group receiving a combination of all regimens (COMBI group), being OHI + PP + OA&CHX. Dental plaque, gingival bleeding and staining assessments were performed at the start of the treatment phase, at baseline and at 4, 7, 10, and 12 months. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in dental plaque-scores for the OA&CHX and COMBI-group (0.51 [SD = 0.37], 0.38 [SD = 0.33] respectively) and a significant reduction in gingivitis scores for the OA&CHX and COMBI group (6.9% [SD = 14.0], 13.4% [SD = 13.4] respectively) from the start of the treatment phase to baseline. No clinically relevant changes were observed for the other four groups. After baseline, bleeding and plaque-scores increased back to a non-significant level between groups, and this level remained throughout the study. CONCLUSION: OA&CHX and COMBI-group showed a clinically relevant improvement after the treatment phase in terms of dental plaque and gingival bleeding levels. At the 4-month clinical assessment, there was no longer a significant difference between groups.

Prebrushing rinse with water on plaque removal: a split-mouth design.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate whether there is an additional beneficial effect on dental plaque removal of rinsing the oral cavity with water before toothbrushing. METHOD: In total, 48 non-dental, systemically healthy participants ≥18 years were included in this randomized controlled clinical trial using a split-mouth design. The participants were requested to refrain from any form of oral hygiene for 48 h. First dental plaque scores (PI) were assessed full mouth. Two randomly assigned contra-lateral quadrants were brushed. Next the participant rinsed for 1 min with 15 ml water. Subsequently, the opposite two contra-lateral quadrants were brushed. Brushing was performed without toothpaste. Subsequently the second full-mouth PI assessment was performed. The brushing and rinsing procedure was performed under supervision and brushing time was tracked by a timer, each quadrant was brushed for 30 s. For the buccal, lingual, and approximal surfaces and tooth type, a subanalysis was performed. RESULTS: At baseline there was no statistically significantly difference between the two sets of contra-lateral quadrants. When a water rinse was used before toothbrushing the PI-score was reduced by 58%. If water rinse was used post-brushing the PI-score reduced by 57%. The difference of 0.04 in mean plaque index score reduction between the two brushing regimens was not significant(P = 0.162). CONCLUSION: When a 2 min brushing exercise was performed, on average more than 55% dental plaque was removed. Prerinsing with water did not contribute significantly to toothbrush efficacy.

[Oral hygiene behaviour of a group of healthy students]. / Mondhygiënegedrag van een groep gezonde studenten.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to get a picture of the daily oral hygiene behaviour of a group of healthy Dutch students in the age range of 18 to 30 years and its relation to oral health. On the basis of a questionnaire, the students were interviewed concerning their oral hygiene behaviour. The level of gingivitis and the level of tongue coating were analysed in relation to the results of the questionnaire. The study revealed that the majority brushed their teeth twice a day. The different methods of tooth brushing and the use of a manual or electric toothbrush had no significant effect on the clinical parameters in this study population. A small group used an interdental cleaning method daily. The toothpick was the aid most often used and its use resulted in a significant reduction of the tendency to interdental bleeding. The use of a tongue cleaner had no statistically significant effect on the level of tongue coating.

The incidence of complications associated with lip and/or tongue piercings: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This review determines the incidence of complications associated with lip and/or tongue piercings based on a systematic evaluation of the available literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were comprehensively searched through June 2014 to identify appropriate studies. The incidence of complications, as established by a dental professional associated with oral and peri-oral piercings, was evaluated in populations with lip and/or tongue piercings. The quality of the case-control studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. For case series studies, the risk of bias was assessed using the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence scale. RESULTS: An independent screening of 1580 unique titles and abstracts revealed 15 publications that met the eligibility criteria. The incidence of gingival recessions appeared to be 50% in subjects with lip piercings and 44% in subjects with a tongue piercing. Tooth injuries were observed in 26% individuals with lip piercings and in up to 37% of individuals with tongue piercings. Subjects with a lip piercing were 4.14 times (P = 0.005) more likely to develop gingival recession than those without a lip piercing. Subjects with a tongue piercing were more likely than non-pierced subjects to experience gingival recession (relative risk (RR) 2.77; P = 0.00001) and tooth injuries (RR 2.44; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Both lip and tongue piercings are highly associated with the risk of gingival recession, and tongue piercings are also associated with tooth injuries.

Plaque-removing efficacy of new and used manual toothbrushes--a professional brushing study.

OBJECTIVES: The present study assessed whether 3-month-old used manual toothbrushes are less effective in reducing plaque scores compared with new toothbrushes with or without the use of dentifrice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was performed employing a single-use, examiner-blinded, professional brushing model. Four brushing modalities were randomly allocated to one of four quadrants, that is, 3-month-old used toothbrushes and new toothbrushes both with and without the use of dentifrice. Prebrushing and post-brushing plaque scores (Quigley Hein plaque index) and gingival abrasion (GA) scores were obtained. A dental hygienist performed the professional brushing procedure. The 3-month-old used toothbrushes were assessed for wear. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed among the treatments with regard to the prebrushing scores. The post-brushing plaque scores ranged from 1.59 for the new brush with dentifrice to 1.76 for the old brush with dentifrice. There was a significant difference (P = 0.036) among the four treatments regarding the old brush with dentifrice, which removed less plaque than the other treatment modalities. Regarding GA scores, no significant differences were observed. With regard to toothbrush wear after 3 months of use, the scores varied widely among the individually evaluated brushes. CONCLUSION: The present study did not show a clinically relevant difference in plaque score reductions following a 2-minute brushing exercise among 3-month-old used and new manual toothbrushes. However, the wear rate of the brushes seemed to be the determining factor in loss of efficacy, rather than the age of the toothbrush. Furthermore, dentifrice did not show an additional effect on instant plaque removal.

The prevalence of oral and peri-oral piercings in young adults: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of oral and/or peri-oral piercings in young adults based on a systematic review of the available literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were comprehensively searched through April 2012 to identify appropriate studies. The prevalence of oral and/or peri-oral piercings was evaluated in the general population, as well as by gender and by anatomical site. RESULTS: An independent screening of 1711 unique titles and abstracts resulted in 13 publications that met the eligibility criteria. In total, 11 249 participants (mean age, 20.6 years) were questioned and/or examined for oral and/or peri-oral piercings. In the studies that provided information concerning the presence of oral and/or peri-oral piercings, the prevalence varied from 0.8% to 12%, resulting in a mean prevalence of 5.2%. When examined based on anatomical site, the most common sites were the tongue (a prevalence of 5.6%), followed by the lip (1.5%). Oral piercings were more prevalent in women (5.6%) than men (1.6%). CONCLUSION: Among the populations that were studied, oral and/or peri-oral piercings were observed in a relatively small percentage (5.2%) of young adults. The prevalence was approximately four times higher among females when compared with males. On the basis of the literature, the tongue was the most common oral site for a piercing. Dental care professionals are in an ideal position to offer information regarding safe piercings and to provide advice regarding oral hygiene, aftercare and possible complications.

Complications of oral and peri-oral piercings: a summary of case reports.

OBJECTIVE: To systemically search the literature for case reports concerning adverse effects associated with oral and peri-oral piercings on oral health and/or general health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched up through 1 April 2010 to identify appropriate studies. RESULTS: Independent screening of the titles and abstracts identified 1169 papers from MEDLINE and 73 papers from CENTRAL. Subsequently, 67 papers describing 83 cases were processed for data extraction. The case reports described complications in oral and general health. In this review, 96 complications were described for 83 cases. Of the 96 reported complications, 81% (n=84) occurred in cases of tongue piercings, 20% (n=21) in cases of lip piercings and 1% (n=1) in cases of other oral piercings. In eight cases, subjects had two oral and/or peri-oral piercings. Gingival recession was the most frequently described complication. Periodontitis and gingival recession were seen at the central mandibular incisors. Tooth fracture is mostly reported in subjects with tongue piercings. CONCLUSION: Among the case reports, there were complications like normal post-operative swelling and localized inflammation but also more serious complication that may even have been life threatening. Also in the long term, piercing may be associated with gingival recession and tooth fracture. Therefore, oral and/or peri-oral piercings are not without risks. Patients considering a piercing should be made aware of this. Those patients wearing a piercing should be screened by a dental professional for possible complications on a regular basis.

The effect of 1% chlorhexidine gel and 0.12% dentifrice gel on plaque accumulation: a 3-day non-brushing model.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of four treatments on 'de novo' plaque accumulation. Treatments included tray application of 1% chlorhexidine gel (CHX-Gel), 0.12% chlorhexidine dentifrice-gel (CHX-DFG), a regular dentifrice (RDF) tray application, or 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX-MW) in a 3-day non-brushing model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as a single blind, randomized parallel clinical trial. After professional prophylaxis, subjects abstained from all other forms of oral hygiene during a 3-day non-brushing period. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the four test groups (CHX-Gel, CHX-DFG, RDF applied in a fluoride gel tray or rinsing with a CHX-MW). After 3 days, the Quigley & Hein plaque index (PI) and Bleeding on Marginal Probing (BOMP) index was assessed. Subsequently, all subjects received a questionnaire to evaluate their attitude, appreciation and perception towards the products used employing a Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: After 3 days, the full-mouth PI means were 0.88 for the CHX-gel regimen, 0.79 for CHX-MW, 1.16 for CHX-DFG and 1.31 for the RDF regimen. The two dentifrices (CHX-DFG and RDF) were significantly less effective than the CHX-Gel or the CHX-MW. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present 3-day non-brushing study design, it can be concluded that the effect of a 1% CHX-Gel application tray is significantly greater than that of 0.12% CHX-DFG or RDF in inhibiting plaque accumulation. The 1% CHX-Gel applied via a tray and 0.2% CHX-MW rinse were comparably effective.