Oral hygiene changes & compliance with telemonitoring device in individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities: a randomized controlled crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: Advances in mobile technology are helping with health management practices, and smart toothbrushes provide proper dental care by collecting and analyzing users' toothbrushing data. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of a telemonitoring device on oral hygiene management in individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and its role in promoting oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were split into two groups: one initially using the telemonitoring device (telemonitoring device/manual toothbrush) and the other using it later (manual toothbrush/telemonitoring device), with a one-month washout period. The study compared plaque index, halitosis, changes in oral microbiota, and guardian questionnaire responses between the groups. RESULTS: In period 1, the QHI index score significantly decreased from 1.93 to 0.83 in the group using the remote monitoring device, compared to an increase from 1.75 to 2.01 in the manual toothbrush group. Additionally, toothbrushing frequency, time, and cooperation increased by 0.82 ± 0.60, 0.82 ± 1.16, and 1.09 ± 0.94, respectively, with initial telemonitoring device use. However, these measures decreased by -1.45 ± 0.68, -1.09 ± 0.70, and - 1.00 ± 1.00 after switching to a manual toothbrush, and decreased by -0.64 ± 0.67, -0.27 ± 1.19, and 0.09 ± 0.94 overall, respectively. However, there were no significant differences in oral microbiota between the groups at these different time points. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that telemonitoring devices effectively reduce plaque index and improve toothbrushing frequency, time, and cooperation. However, these benefits decrease after switching to a manual toothbrush. Follow-up is needed to assess satisfaction and compliance with telemonitoring device use. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using telemonitoring devices in the oral health management of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can improve their oral health quality.

Comparative Efficacy of Medium and Soft Toothbrushes in Plaque Removal and Gingivitis Control.

BACKGROUND Regularly removing dental plaque is key to good oral hygiene and gingival health promotion. This study aimed to compare the effects of using soft and medium toothbrushes using the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) index. MATERIAL AND METHODS A randomized parallel-group study design was used. Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned to 2 similar intervention groups (medium and soft toothbrush groups). The PI, GI, and BOP indexes were used. The median and median difference of PI, GI, and BOP were calculated. SPSS was used for data entry and analysis. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS The median scores of GI, PI, and BOP significantly decreased from 1.8, 1.7, and 2.0, respectively, before using medium toothbrushes to 0.0, 0.1, and 0.0, respectively, after using medium toothbrushes (all P<0.0001). Similarly, the median scores of GI, PI, and BOP significantly decreased from 2.0, 1.7, and 2.0, respectively, before using soft toothbrushes to 1.1, 0.9, and 1.0, respectively, after using soft toothbrushes (P<0.0001). The median differences in GI, PI, and BOP scores among those using medium toothbrushes were higher than the median differences among those using soft toothbrushes [(1.8 vs 0.9), (1.6 vs 0.8), and (2.0 vs 1.0), respectively]. These differences were statistically significant (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This study concludes that medium and soft toothbrushes were effective in removing plaque and controlling gingivitis. Medium toothbrushes were more effective than soft toothbrushes in achieving these outcomes.

Can traditional oral hygiene methods compete with conventional toothbrushes in effectiveness?

DESIGN: The study was designed as a single-blinded, parallel, randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of the Salvadora persica toothbrush (MTB), Salvadora persica chewing stick (MCS), and a standard toothbrush (STB) in controlling plaque and gingivitis. A total of 78 participants were randomly divided into three groups and instructed to use their assigned oral hygiene tool in a standardized manner for three. CASE SELECTION: Participants were non-dental students and staff of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Campus, selected through convenience sampling. They met specific inclusion criteria, such as being systemically healthy, having ≥20 teeth, and having a Basic Periodontal Examination score of 0, 1, or 2, with no periodontal pockets greater than 5.5 mm. DATA ANALYSIS: Clinical outcomes were measured using the Plaque Index (PI) and Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA) at baseline, one-, and three-weeks post-intervention. Data analysis was performed using mixed-model analysis of variance for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: All three groups showed significant improvements in plaque levels and severity of gingivitis from baseline to three weeks post-intervention. The MCS group demonstrated a significant improvement in mean PISA values of the anterior teeth compared to the MTB and STB groups. However, there was no significant difference in plaque level reduction or overall gingivitis severity among the three groups. This indicates that when used correctly, Salvadora persica toothbrushes and chewing sticks are as effective as standard toothbrushes in plaque control and gingival health. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that both Salvadora persica toothbrushes and chewing sticks can serve as effective alternatives to the standard toothbrush for plaque control and gingival health. This showcases the beneficial anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties of Salvadora persica. However, the effectiveness of these oral hygiene tools is contingent upon the correct usage techniques.

A Randomized, Parallel Design Study to Compare the Effects of Two Different Interdental Cleaning Modalities on Gingivitis and Plaque After a 4-Week Period of Home Use.

The study objective was to evaluate the effect of two different interdental oral cleaning modalities on gingivitis and plaque following a 4-week period of home use. This was a randomized, parallel, single-blinded study. Subjects were routine manual toothbrush (MTB) users with moderate to severe gingivitis, aged 18 to 65 years. Subjects were required at baseline to have a gingival bleeding score of ≥1 on at least 50 gingival sites per the Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and to have an overall plaque score of ≥0.6 per the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) following a 3- to 6-hour plaque accumulation period. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups based on the oral care cleaning modalities: (1) NON group: MTB alone, (2) IDB group: MTB plus an interdental brush, or (3) MPF group: MTB plus a Philips® Sonicare® Power Flosser with the Quad Stream nozzle. All subjects used the MTB with fluoride toothpaste. Efficacy measures (Modified Gingival Index [MGI], GBI, and RMNPI) and safety were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in gingival inflammation from baseline to week 4 as measured by the MGI. A total of 189 subjects were randomized and 186 completed the study. The adjusted mean percent reduction in gingival inflammation from baseline to week 4 was 2.80% for the NON group, 11.32% for the IDB group, and 20.87% for the MPF group. The differences between the MPF group and the NON and IDB groups were statistically significant (.0001). In conclusion, use of the MTB with the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser showed statistically significant benefits compared to an MTB alone and an MTB used with an interdental brush in reducing gingival inflammation following 4 weeks of home use.

A Randomized, Parallel Design Study to Compare the Effects of Different Interdental Cleaning Modalities on Gingivitis and Plaque After a 6-Week Period of Home Use.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different interdental oral cleaning modalities on gingivitis and plaque following a 6-week period of home use. This was a randomized, four-arm, parallel design clinical trial. Study subjects were manual toothbrush (MTB) users with moderate to severe gingivitis, aged 18 to 65 years. Subjects were required at baseline to have a gingival bleeding score of ≥1 on at least 50 gingival sites per the Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and to have an overall plaque score of ≥0.6 per the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) following a 3- to 6-hour plaque accumulation period. Subjects were randomly assigned to use one of four oral care cleaning modalities: (1) NON group: MTB alone, (2) FLS group: MTB plus string floss, (3) IDB group: MTB plus an interdental brush, or (4) CPF group: MTB plus the Philips® Sonicare® Cordless Power Flosser with the Quad Stream nozzle. Efficacy measures (Modified Gingival Index [MGI], GBI, and RMNPI) and safety were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in gingival inflammation from baseline to week 6 as measured by the MGI. Of the 372 subjects randomized in the study, 364 completed a post-baseline MGI evaluation and were included in the analyses. The adjusted mean percent reduction in gingival inflammation from baseline to week 6 was -2.10% for the NON group, 2.82% for the FLS group, 2.60% for the IDB group, and 29.10% for the CPF group. Pairwise comparisons indicated that the CPF group was statistically significantly different from the NON, FLS, and IDB groups (.0001). In conclusion, adjunctive use of the Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser with the Quad Stream nozzle and an MTB showed statistically better results in term of reducing gingival inflammation following 6 weeks of home use when compared to an MTB alone, an MTB used with string floss, and an MTB used with an interdental brush.

Self-determined use of provided powered oral hygiene devices leads to improved gingival health after 1 year: a longitudinal clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to evaluate the long-term concordance and acceptance when using powered devices for everyday oral hygiene routine and gingival health in patients showing papillary bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one participants were recruited at the dental clinic of the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, over a 6-week duration. At baseline, a standard dental check-up was performed, including oral hygiene indices and documentation of oral hygiene devices used. The study consisted of two consecutive phases: the first (motivational trial) was designed to prove the effectiveness and safety of a microdroplet device and a powered toothbrush compared to dental floss and a manual toothbrush over a period of 4 weeks. The second (observational) phase began with all participants receiving the powered oral homecare devices. Participants were able to use their oral hygiene measures of choice over an unsupervised period of 1 year. All participants were then rescheduled for a routine dental check-up, where oral hygiene indices and oral hygiene devices used were reevaluated. RESULTS: After 1 year, 93.3% of participants stated they performed interdental cleaning on a regular basis (baseline 60.0%). The percentage using a powered toothbrush increased from 41.9% (baseline) to 90.0% after 1 year. Oral hygiene parameters had improved after both the motivational trial and observational phases compared to baseline (papillary bleeding index p = .000; Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index p < .05; Quigley-Hein Index p = .000). CONCLUSION: In the long term, participants preferred using powered oral hygiene devices over the gold standard dental floss and manual toothbrush. Improved oral hygiene parameters after 1 year may indicate implementation of newly acquired oral-hygiene skills during the 4-week instruction phase.

The effectiveness of water jet flossing and interdental flossing for oral hygiene in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment presents challenges with plaque accumulation around brackets, archwires, and elastics, leading to retained plaque and gingival inflammation. Conventional toothbrushing may not be enough, requiring additional oral hygiene aids like interproximal brushes, dental flosses, and water flossers. Limited research exists on comparing water flossing and interdental flossing in orthodontic patients. Therefore, this study aims to assess their effectiveness in maintaining oral hygiene during active orthodontic treatment. METHODS: A single-blind, randomized, parallel clinical study recruited orthodontic patients with full-mouth brackets and archwires. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either water jet flossing or interdental flossing groups. All participants were instructed to brush twice daily with a provided toothbrush and toothpaste and use the assigned intervention once daily at night. Clinical measures, including the Gingival Bleeding Index (BI), Plaque Index (PI), and Gingival Index (GI), were recorded at baseline and day 14. Descriptive statistics and statistical tests were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The water jet flossing group demonstrated a slightly higher, albeit non-significant, benefit in plaque removal (median difference of 6.79%%, P = 0.279) and bleeding reduction (median difference of 5.21%%, P = 0.172) compared to the interdental flossing group after two weeks. Both groups showed significant reductions in gingival bleeding index and plaque index from baseline to the 2-week follow-up. The interdental flossing group had median mean percentage differences of 16.13%% (plaque index) and 23.57% (gingival bleeding index), while the water jet flossing group had median percentage differences of 21.87% (plaque index) and 32.29% (gingival bleeding index). No significant changes in gingival index grades were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Both water jet flossing and interdental flossing were effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival bleeding among orthodontic patients. While no significant differences were found between the two methods, water jet flossing showed a potential advantage. Further research is needed to validate its effectiveness, assess long-term impact, and understand its benefits for orthodontic patients.

Powered or manual toothbrushes for people with disabilities - which is better?

DESIGN: A systematic review. AIM: Assess the effectiveness of manual toothbrushes (MTB) and powered toothbrushes (PTB) for people with physical or intellectual disabilities. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: The following data sources (MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EMBASE) were searched from the date of creation to February 2022 for papers which met the inclusion criteria. There were no language limitations set. The included studies were then hand-searched for relevant studies to be included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers screened the studies from the searches using Rayyan web application (Artificial-Intelligence search engine). Studies which met the inclusion criteria were selected. The studies were independently screened for the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Disagreement was resolved by discussion and consensus, or by a third party. Studies were then classified as low/moderate/high risk of bias. Analysis was performed on four subgroups; individual performing the brushing - (1) caregiver or (2) participant, main disability of the participant - (3) physical or (4) intellectual disability. Due to insufficient numerical data, a descriptive analysis was completed in place of the planned meta-analysis. RESULTS: In total, 16 publications were included within the results. There was no significant difference between manual or powered toothbrushing in both disability groups for the removal of plaque or gingival health. This applied to both self-brushing and caregiver brushing. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference between powered and manual toothbrushes for effective oral hygiene maintence for people with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Determinantes sociais de saúde de crianças em consulta de puericultura: das condições socioeconômicas aos aspectos relacionados à saúde bucal / Social determinants of health of children in child care consultation: from socioeconomic conditions to aspects related to oral health / Determinantes sociales de la salud de los niños en la consulta infantil: de las condiciones socioeconómicas a los aspectos relacionados con la salud bucal

A imaturidade do sistema imunológico, associado a Determinantes Sociais de Saúde (DSS), promove doenças na infância. Especificamente, na cavidade oral, os DSS, representados pelo consumo elevado de açúcar, limitado acesso aos serviços de saúde e deficiência na higiene bucal, favorecem transtornos locais e sistêmicos. Assim, o estudo objetivou associar os DSS, no contexto das condições socioeconômicas, do acompanhamento pelo serviço de saúde e dos aspectos relacionados à saúde bucal de crianças atendidas em Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) de um município cearense. Trata-se de estudo observacional, analítico, transversal e de abordagem quantitativa, conduzido com crianças e suas mães em Acarape - CE. Após consentimento, essas preencheram um questionário. Os dados foram analisados. Das 70 mães, 87,14% e 90,00% tinham idade inferior ou igual a 30 anos e renda de até um salário mínimo, respectivamente. Das 70 crianças, 87,14% tinham seus dentes/gengiva higienizados por seus pais ou responsável. Do total, 94,29% nunca se submeteram a atendimento odontológico. Observou-se associação significativa entre a mãe ter escolaridade superior ao ensino fundamental incompleto e higienizar os dentes/gengiva do filho com escova dental e dentifrício. Constatou-se associação significativa entre a criança ingerir bolacha doce/recheada, não consumir refrigerante e usar escova dental e dentifrício na higienização oral. Conclui-se que as crianças eram acompanhadas nas UBS regularmente; no entanto, esse serviço não esteve relacionado ao atendimento odontológico. Apesar da ausência desse tipo de acompanhamento e do consumo de alimentos cariogênicos, as mães se preocupavam com a saúde bucal das crianças, higienizando a cavidade oral diariamente, com meios adequados.

The immaturity of the immune system, associated with Social Determi- nants of Health (SDH), promotes diseases in childhood. Specifically, in the oral cavity, SDH, represented by high sugar consumption, limited access to health services, and poor oral hygiene, favors local and systemic disorders. Thus, the study aimed to associate the SDH, in the context of socioeconomic conditions, monitoring by the health service and aspects related to children's oral health assisted in Basic Health Units (BHU) of a muni- cipality in Ceará. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quan- titative approach conducted with children and their mothers in Acarape - CE. After con- sent, they filled out a questionnaire. Data were analyzed. Of the 70 mothers, 87.14% and 90.00% were aged less than or equal to 30 years and had income up to one minimum wage, respectively. Of the 70 children, 87.14% had their teeth/gums cleaned by their pa- rents or guardian. Of the total, 94.29% never underwent dental care. There was a signifi- cant association between the mother having higher education than incomplete elementary school and cleaning the child's teeth/gums with a toothbrush and toothpaste. A significant association was found between the child eating sweet/stuffed biscuits, not consuming soft drink, and using a toothbrush and dentifrice for oral hygiene. It is concluded that the chil- dren were regularly monitored at the BHU; however, this service was not related to dental care. Despite the absence of this type of follow-up and the consumption of cariogenic foods, the mothers were concerned about their children's oral health, cleaning the oral cavity daily with adequate means.

La inmadurez del sistema inmunológico, asociada a los Determinantes So- ciales de la Salud (DSS), promueve enfermedades en la infancia. Específicamente, en la cavidad bucal, los DSS, representados por el alto consumo de azúcar, el acceso limitado a los servicios de salud y la mala higiene bucal, favorecen los trastornos locales y sisté- micos. Así, el estudio tuvo como objetivo asociar el DSS, en el contexto de las condicio- nes socioeconómicas, el seguimiento por el servicio de salud y los aspectos relacionados con la salud bucal de los niños atendidos en las Unidades Básicas de Salud (UBS) de un municipio de Ceará. Se trata de un estudio observacional, analítico, transversal con enfo- que cuantitativo, realizado con niños y sus madres en Acarape ­ CE. Después del consen- timiento, completaron un cuestionario. Los datos fueron analizados. De las 70 madres, 87,14% y 90,00% tenían edad menor o igual a 30 años e ingresos hasta un salario mínimo, respectivamente. De los 70 niños, al 87,14% se les limpió los dientes/encías por sus pa- dres o tutores. Del total, el 94,29% nunca realizó atención odontológica. Hubo una aso- ciación significativa entre la madre con educación superior a la primaria incompleta y la limpieza de los dientes/encías del niño con cepillo y pasta dental. Se encontró una asoci- ación significativa entre el niño que come galletas dulces/rellenas, no consume gaseosas y usa cepillo de dientes y dentífrico para la higiene bucal. Se concluyó que los niños eran monitoreados periódicamente en la UBS; sin embargo, este servicio no estaba relacionado con el cuidado dental. A pesar de la ausencia de este tipo de seguimiento y del consumo de alimentos cariogénicos, las madres se preocupan por la salud bucal de sus hijos, reali- zando la limpieza de la cavidad bucal diariamente, con medios adecuados.

Higiene y cuidado dental en recetarios hispanos de los siglos XIV-XVI / Hygiene and dental care in Hispanic recipe books from the 14th-16th centuries

Numerosos recetarios de época bajomedieval y moderna contienen información sobre tratamientos destinados al cuidado del cuerpo, en especial del cabello, la piel o la dentadura. Se trata de textos misceláneos, donde los contenidos de medicina se mezclan con los de dietética, salud y belleza, motivo por el que en ocasiones han sido llamados “libros de mujeres”, debido a su vinculación con costumbres del grupo femenino. Tales textos incluyen indicaciones para la preparación de compuestos destinados a la limpieza de dientes y a combatir el mal aliento, recetas que incorporan materias antisépticas y de efecto bactericida disueltas en agua, o usadas en forma sólida para frotar directamente las encías, como dentífricos con que cepillar los dientes y la lengua. También compuestos destinados a encarnar las encías y a prevenir sus enfermedades, o a calzar los dientes débiles y faltos de raíz. Y detallan la forma de aplicación de dichos polvos y letuarios, que suele efectuarse frotando los dientes o mediante enjuague bucal. El artículo estudia estas recetas y analiza tanto las propiedades de las materias que las integran como los procedimientos seguidos para su aplicación. (AU)

Cannabis. Usos y aplicaciones en la práctica odontológica diaria: revisión de la literatura / Cannabis. Uses and applications in daily dental practice: a review of the literature

La evidencia científica presente en la literatura indica que el cannabis puede ser utilizado con fines terapéuticos para tratar distintas afecciones odontológicas. Dado el acceso sencillo a la cavidad bucal, las distintas formulaciones de cannabis pueden aplicarse de forma tópica. La aplicación local de dosis bajas de cannabis ha demostrado alta efectividad para tratar distintas afecciones bucales, constituyendo un tratamiento seguro con baja probabilidad de generar repercusiones sistémicas indeseadas. En la actualidad, está siendo incorporado a materiales convencionales de uso e higiene odontológica con la finalidad de aprovechar sus efectos terapéuticos. El cannabis tiene múltiples usos en odontología: como componen-te de enjuagues bucales y soluciones para la desinfección de conductos radiculares, en tratamientos de trastornos de ansiedad bucal, como complemento en terapias oncológicas, como analgésico para atenuar el dolor inflamatorio y el neuropático, como miorrelajante y condroprotector para tratar trastornos de articulación témporomandibular (ATM) y bruxismo, como osteomodulador para el tratamiento de patologías que comprometen la integridad ósea, como la enfermedad periodontal y la osteoporosis, y para la cicatrización ósea asociada a fracturas, extracciones dentarias e implantes, y como inmunomodulador con potencial terapéutico para tratar patologías autoinmunes como las enfermedades reumáticas. El trata-miento local con cannabis es efectivo, bien tolerado por el paciente y con pocos efectos adversos. Por lo tanto, se puede concluir que el cannabis aporta un enorme abanico de posibilidades terapéuticas para tratar distintas afecciones odontológicas, aunque aún se requiere mayor cantidad de estudios científicos que avalen su utilización en cada situación fisiopatológica particular (AU)

The scientific evidence present in the literature indicates that cannabis can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat different dental conditions. Given the easy access to the oral cavity, the different cannabis formulations can be applied topically. The local application of low doses of cannabis has shown high effectiveness in treating different oral conditions, constituting a safe treatment with a low probability of generating unwanted systemic repercussions. It is currently being incorporated into conventional materials for dental use and hygiene in order to take advantage of its therapeutic effects. Cannabis has multiple uses in dentistry: as a component of mouthwashes and solutions for disinfecting root canals, in the treatment of oral anxiety disorders, as a complement in oncological therapies, as an analgesic to reduce inflammatory and neuropathic pain, as a muscle relaxant and chondroprotective to treat temporomandibular joint disorders and bruxism, as an osteomodulator for the treatment of pathologies that compromise bone integrity, such as periodontal disease and osteoporosis, and or bone healing associated with fractures, dental extractions and implants, and as immunomodulator with therapeutic potential to treat autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatic diseases. Local treatment with cannabis is effective, well tolerated by the patient and with few adverse effects. Local treatment with cannabis is effective, well tolerated by the patient and with few adverse effects. Therefore, it can be concluded that cannabis provides an enormous range of therapeutic possibilities to treat different dental conditions, although more scientific studies are still required to support its use in each particular pathophysiological situation (AU)

Bacterial colonization of a power-driven water flosser during regular use. A proof-of-principle study.

OBJECTIVES: The present proof-of-principle study assessed whether daily use of a power-driven water flosser (Sonicare AirFloss; SAF) leads to bacterial colonization in the nozzle and/or the device, resulting in contaminated water-jet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In five participants, saliva samples at baseline and water-jet samples of devices used daily with bottled water for 3 weeks (test) were collected. Additionally, water-jet samples from devices used daily with bottled water extra-orally for 3 weeks (positive control) and from brand new devices (negative control), as well as samples from newly opened and 1- and 3-week opened water bottles were collected. Colony forming units (CFU) were recorded after 48 h culturing and 20 oral pathogens were assessed by polymerase chain reaction-based analysis. RESULTS: Distinct inter-individual differences regarding the number of detected bacteria were observed; water-jet samples of test devices included both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial species, with some similarities to the saliva sample of the user. Water-jet samples from positive control devices showed limited number of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial species, while the samples from negative control devices did not show any bacterial species. Very few aerobic bacteria were detected only in the 3-week-old bottled water samples, while samples of newly and 1-week opened water bottles did not show any bacterial growth. CONCLUSIONS: The present proof-of-principle study showed that daily use of a power-driven water flosser for 3 weeks resulted in bacterial colonization in the nozzle and/or device with both aerobic and anaerobic, not only oral, species, that are transmitted via the water-jet.

Effect of feeding a daily oral care chew on the composition of plaque microbiota in dogs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of daily feeding of an oral care chew on the composition of canine supragingival plaque microbiota. Twelve beagle dogs were recruited to the randomized cross-over study. The dogs were fed one of two dietary regimes, both consisting of a commercially available wet and dry diet mix, either with or without daily supplementation with an oral care chew. After each 28-day test phase, supragingival plaque samples were collected and processed via Illumina sequencing to determine the microbiota composition. A comparative analysis of bacterial species associated with health and periodontal disease, identified from prior clinical studies, revealed differences between the dietary regimes. Consumption of the daily oral care chew, resulted in a significant increase in proportion of 6 health associated taxa but only 3 disease associated taxa compared to no chew. In contrast, 8 disease and 1 health associated taxa showed increased proportions for no chew versus the oral care chew. Daily feeding of the oral care chew tested in this study has therefore been shown to increase the proportion of health associated bacteria, over bacteria associated with periodontal disease, in supragingival plaque compared to no chew. By influencing plaque microbiota towards a bias for health associated bacteria, feeding of the oral care chew provides a means to reduce the prevalence of bacterial species shown to be associated with periodontal disease in dogs.

Impact of interdental brush shape on interpapillary cleaning efficacy - a clinical trial.

This study aimed to investigate whether interdental brush shape influences cleaning efficacy, by comparing a waist-shaped interdental brush (W-IDB) with a cylindrical IDB (C-IDB); both provided with the same bristle texture. Cleaning efficacy of differently shaped IDBs was measured in proximal surfaces of teeth in a split-mouth cross-over design. Twenty-eight patients abolished oral hygiene for 4 d. Line angle plaque area was scanned with an intraoral camera after use of disclosing dye in baseline and after IDB application and analyzed planimetrically. Additionally, bacterial load in the IDBs was analyzed after usage by colony forming units (cfu). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test with continuity correction was used to compare the results of the waist-shaped and the cylindrically-shaped IDBs. The waist-shaped IDBs cleaned significantly better than their cylindrically-shaped counterparts (area cleaned: 23.1% vs. 18.3%), when applied at same interdental spaces (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were found in comparison of bacterial load on the IDBs (median cfu counts: 2.3E9 vs. 2.7E9, p = 0.93). Irrespective of bristle texture or size, IDB shape have impact on cleaning efficacy. Waist-shaped IDBs are more effective in cleaning of the line angle area than cylindrically-shaped IDBs.

The use of an interdental brush mitigates periodontal health inequalities: the Korean National Health and nutrition examination survey (KNHANES).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mitigating effect of the use of interdental brushes on periodontal health inequality. METHODS: This study was based on the data acquired in the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI; 2013-2015). A total of 17,583 participants (7,633 males and 9,950 females)) aged 19 years or older completed the KNHANES VI between 2013 and 2015. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using socioeconomic characteristics (sex, age, level of education, individual income), personal health practice (smoking, toothbrushing, dental flossing, interdental brushing, dental clinic visiting), systematic medical factors (diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity) and the community periodontal index. We confirmed differences in the prevalence of periodontal disease with the use of an interdental brushes stratified according to individual income. RESULTS: Three logistic regression models adjusted for covariates hierarchically. In all models, individuals who used an interdental brush were not significantly different from individuals who did not use an interdental brush. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for interdental brushing was 0.918 with a 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 0.797-1.057. When periodontal disease was the outcome of the model, the lowest income group had 1.266 (95% CIs 1.066 to 1.502) times the odds of having periodontal disease than the highest income group. In interdental brush nonusers, the lowest income group had 1.276 (95% CI 1.061-1.533) times the odds of having periodontal diseases than the highest income group. However, in the interdental brush users, there were no significant differences in periodontal disease prevalence among income groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the use of interdental brushes could alleviate periodontal health inequality.

A new technique for tongue brushing and halitosis reduction: the X technique.

The tongue is one of the primary sources of halitosis. The manual or mechanical removal of biofilm is known to decrease oral malodor. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new tongue hygiene technique hereby referred to as "the X technique" and its effects on both halitosis and the number of microorganisms based on microbiological parameters and diagnostic features of the breath. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included thirty patients divided into a control group (patients without systematized guidelines of lingual hygiene, but who performed the mechanical cleaning of tongue dorsum, each in its own way), the 3R group (instructed to perform the movements of the X technique for 3 repetitions at each brushing), and the 6R group (instructed to perform 6 repetitions of the technique at each brushing). After two weeks, a new data collection was performed. RESULTS: Patients in the 6R group presented the lowest score on the organoleptic assessment scale at the second consultation, followed by the 3R group and the controls. Regarding the self-perception of breath by the method of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the control group did not perceive improvements in oral malodor; the results of the 3R group and the 6R group were similar. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the X technique improves both measurements and perceptions of halitosis. Microbiological analyses revealed greatest reduction in the 6R group. The findings show that the X technique reduces both organoleptic scores and the number of bacterial colonies, and improves users' perceptions of their breath.

Comparison of calculus detection among dental hygienists using an explorer and ultrasonic insert.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal therapy disrupts the biofilm harbouring calculus that triggers inflammation. The explorer is primarily used for calculus detection, and the ultrasonic instrument is primarily used for calculus removal. The efficiency in dental hygiene care may improve if the ultrasonic instrument could be used in both calculus detection and removal. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to validate the effectiveness of calculus detection between the Thinsert® ultrasonic insert and the 11/12 explorer. METHODS: Upon IRB approval, this validation study involved three dental hygiene faculty from the Ohio State University Dental Hygiene Program and 30 patient participants from the Ohio State University community. Using both instruments, calculus was evaluated on Ramfjord index teeth and on four possible surfaces per tooth. Data were analysed to evaluate for interrater reliability, intrarater reliability, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: For interrater reliability, the average measure of intraclass coefficient (ICC) value was 0.782 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.749-0.810 (F(1439, 2878)  = 4.852, P < 0.01). For intrarater reliability, mean Kappa averages were in the full agreement range (κ = 0.726, n = 2160, P < 0.01). When using the Thinsert® for calculus detection, the sensitivity was 75%, specificity was 97%, PPV was 81%, and NPV was 94%. CONCLUSION: Since calculus evaluation was comparable when using the ODU 11/12 explorer and the Thinsert®, efforts can be focused on developing the tactile sensitivity when using the Thinsert® ultrasonic instrument in the assessment, treatment, and maintenance of periodontal disease and the support of oral health. The efficiency in dental hygiene care may improve by using the Thinsert® ultrasonic instrument in both the detection and removal of calculus.

Randomized Controlled Clinical Study to Determine the Oral and Dermal Tolerability of an Experimental Denture Wipe.

PURPOSE: To evaluate oral and dermal tolerance following use and user acceptability of an experimental denture-cleansing wipe. An exploratory objective was to develop a method to assess denture wipe effectiveness in removing debris from denture surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, examiner-blind study in participants with ≥1 full/partial denture. Participants were randomized to clean their dentures with the denture wipe (n = 76) or water (n = 76) up to 4 times per day for 14 days. Tolerability was assessed by treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), oral soft tissue examination, and lead hand dermatological assessment. Acceptability was assessed by questionnaire. The feasibility of a methodology to assess the efficacy of the wipe at removing food particles was also evaluated through determination of the mass of chewed peanut particles that the wipe removed after a single use (n = 31). RESULTS: The proportion of participants experiencing oral TEAEs by day 14 was 0.039% with the denture wipe (lip injury [n = 1], mouth injury [n = 2]) and 0.013% with the water rinse (coated tongue [n = 1]). There were no dermal TEAEs and no TEAE-related study withdrawals. Skin irritation scores with the denture wipe remained unchanged from baseline. Comparing before vs. after cleaning with the denture wipe, a higher proportion of participants rated their dentures as feeling extremely/very fresh (28.9% pre-/85.5% post-cleaning), feeling extremely/very clean (34.2%/86.8%) and looking extremely/very clean (43.5%/85.5%). More denture-wipe group participants than water-rinse group participants were extremely/very satisfied with the amount of debris removed from their dentures (88.1% vs 72.4%). The methodology used to assess the weight of peanut particles captured from the wipes/dentures appeared to be a feasible investigation technique. CONCLUSIONS: The denture wipe was generally well-tolerated and had good user acceptability. The methodology for assessing the mass of peanut particles removed by denture wipes was successful.

A new technique for tongue brushing and halitosis reduction: the X technique

Abstract The tongue is one of the primary sources of halitosis. The manual or mechanical removal of biofilm is known to decrease oral malodor. Objective: To evaluate a new tongue hygiene technique hereby referred to as "the X technique" and its effects on both halitosis and the number of microorganisms based on microbiological parameters and diagnostic features of the breath. Material and Methods: The study included thirty patients divided into a control group (patients without systematized guidelines of lingual hygiene, but who performed the mechanical cleaning of tongue dorsum, each in its own way), the 3R group (instructed to perform the movements of the X technique for 3 repetitions at each brushing), and the 6R group (instructed to perform 6 repetitions of the technique at each brushing). After two weeks, a new data collection was performed. Results: Patients in the 6R group presented the lowest score on the organoleptic assessment scale at the second consultation, followed by the 3R group and the controls. Regarding the self-perception of breath by the method of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the control group did not perceive improvements in oral malodor; the results of the 3R group and the 6R group were similar. Conclusion: These results indicate that the X technique improves both measurements and perceptions of halitosis. Microbiological analyses revealed greatest reduction in the 6R group. The findings show that the X technique reduces both organoleptic scores and the number of bacterial colonies, and improves users' perceptions of their breath.