[Scoring early oral soft-tissue wound healing: A systematic review]. / Scoren van vroege wondgenezing van orale zachte weefsels: een systematisch literatuuronderzoek.

To date, there is no widely accepted system for evaluating soft tissue early healing events in oral surgery. This study aimed to identify variables used to assess early oral soft tissue wound healing. The PubMed-MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched up to and including March 1, 2022. Papers were included if they presented scores of wound healing after performing a mucoperiosteal flap operation with the intention of primary closure. The search yielded 2,286 unique titles and abstracts, of which 31 met the eligibility criteria. In general, the available definitions/indices were found to be imprecise. Based on the literature reviewed, six variables were considered relevant for scoring early oral soft tissue wound healing: primary closure, necrosis, redness, swelling, bleeding, and suppuration.

Fluoride, pH Value, and Titratable Acidity of Commercially Available Mouthwashes.

AIM: The primary objective of this work was to assess total soluble fluoride (TSF), pH values, and titratable acidity (TA) of various mouthwashes "in vitro," and the second was to compare fluoride content on labels with measured TSF. METHODS: Commercial mouthwashes were collected and analysed. Company, type, manufacturer data, and active ingredients (essential oils [EO], cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC], chlorhexidine [CHX], and fluoride) were described. TSF, pH, and TA capacity were measured. Descriptive quantitative analysis were performed per mouthwash. RESULTS: In total, 54 mouthwashes from 20 brands were included. These included mouthwashes with the active ingredients EO (n = 11), CPC (n = 17), CHX (n = 18), and fluoride (n = 32); 27 mouthwashes with more than 1 of these active ingredients; and 4 with none of the above-mentioned ingredients. Fluoride was present in different formulations; most contained sodium fluoride (NaF), and a few had sodium monofluorophosphate and amine fluoride + NaF. The pH values of all evaluated mouthwashes ranged from 4.1 to 7.9. Twenty mouthwashes presented pHs below 5.5, of which 10 contained fluoride. TA ranged from 0 to 48. According to the manufacturer data, mouthwashes with fluoride had concentrations from 217 to 450 ppm, with 90% in the range from 217 to 254 ppm. Laboratory data revealed that TSF ranged from 229 to 500 ppm, with 90% in the range from 229 to 337 ppm. A statistically significant difference was observed between measured TSF and the labelled fluoride content on the packaging of the fluoride mouthwashes (mean difference, 43.92 ± 34.34; P < .001). Most of these mouthwashes contained at least the amount of fluoride as mentioned on the packaging (93%). CONCLUSION: The pH values and TA of commercially available mouthwashes showed a large variation. TSF levels of the fluoride mouthwashes were found to be at least the amount of fluoride as labelled. Dental care professionals should be aware of the pH, TA, fluoride content, and other active ingredients of different mouthwashes to better understand their potential impact on oral health.

[A PhD completed. Prevention and oral hygiene: instructions, toothbrush and mouthwash]. / Serie: Hora est. Preventie en mondhygiëne: instructies, de tandenborstel en mondspoelmiddel.

Circa 35% of English-language professional dental care associations' websites provide advice and/or information on toothbrushing. Although the advice and information given varies considerably, there is consensus on the importance of brushing twice daily with a manual toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Alignment of national and international information on preventive oral care provided on websites, e.g. from the World Dental Federation and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists, seems necessary. It was also found that the oral hygiene behaviour of patients with periodontitis changed after initial treatment: they brushed longer daily and used an electric toothbrush, wooden toothpicks, and interdental brushes more often. Based on research with single-brushing exercises the electric toothbrush was found to be more effective than the manual toothbrush with respect to plaque reduction. If a chlorhexidine mouthwash is recommended, it can be used without creating problems before or after toothbrushing with a sodium lauryl sulphate dentifrice. Chlorhexidine and sodium fluoride may be simultaneously present in the same mouthwash without reducing chlorhexidine efficacy.

Evaluating cone cut in rectangular collimation in intraoral radiography: application of ALADA and radiation stewardship.

OBJECTIVE: Rectangular collimation is a popular method used in intraoral radiography to reduce patient exposure to ionizing radiation. One of the perceived drawbacks of rectangular collimation is the possibility of an increase in cone cut errors ultimately impacting the diagnostic value of the radiographs. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the frequency of cone cut errors in radiographs taken using a rectangular collimator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographs taken using PSP plates at Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam in the Netherlands by staff and students from January to December 2015 were assessed for cone cut errors. The radiographs were grouped as bitewings, front teeth, inferior premolars and molars, and superior premolars and molars and categorized as no cone cut, cone cut but diagnostically usable, and cone cut but diagnostically not usable. The results were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed thereafter. RESULTS: A total of 53,684 radiographs were assessed, 79% had no cone cut errors and consequently 21% had some degree of cone cut. However, the diagnostic value was unaffected in 18% of the radiographs with cone cut. Only 3% of the radiographs were deemed diagnostically unusable due to cone cut. The most common area of cone cut was in the premolar and molar areas while cone cut in the front teeth was least likely to be diagnostically unusable. CONCLUSION: Cone cut from the use of a rectangular collimator does not seem to result in an increase of diagnostically unusable radiographs. Thus, rectangular collimation should be preferred as it decreases the amount of radiation exposure to the patient while producing diagnostically usable radiographs and thus allowing the dental professional to adhere to the ALADA principle and practice radiation stewardship. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Scientific rationale for the study: rectangular collimation is a method used to reduce patient exposure to ionizing radiation; however, this benefit is negligible if radiographs must be retaken due to cone cut errors that make the radiograph diagnostically unusable. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the frequency of cone cut in radiographs taken using a rectangular collimator. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: cone cut was observed in 21% of the radiographs; however, only 3% of the radiographs were considered diagnostically unusable. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: rectangular collimation does not result in a high number of diagnostically unusable radiographs and should be used to reduce patient exposure to ionizing radiation.

DMF scores in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review(SR) is to comprehensively and critically summarise and synthesise the available scientific evidence from observational studies that use the decayed-missed-filled(DMF) index to determine caries experiences among adult patients with diabetes mellitus  (DM) as compared to individuals without DM(non-DM). DATA: Indices that present examinations of decayed-filled-surfaces(DFS), decayed-missed-filled-surfaces(DMFS), and decayed-missed-filled-teeth(DMFT) established from observational studies were considered. SOURCES: MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane Central databases were searched through 1 February 2023 to identify studies that evaluate DMF indices for adult patients with DM compared to non-DM. The reference lists of the selected studies were reviewed to identify additional potentially relevant studies. STUDY SELECTION: All studies were independently screened by two reviewers. Included papers were critically appraised using pre-designed forms, and the risk of bias was assessed. Data as means and standard deviations were extracted. A descriptive data presentation was used for all studies. If quantitative methods were feasible, then a meta-analysis was performed. It was decided 'a priori' to perform a sub-analysis on type of DM(I or II). The quality of the studies was assessed. RESULTS: Initially 932 studies were found, and screening resulted in 13 eligible observational studies. The total number of subjects included in this SR is 21,220. A descriptive analysis of the comparisons demonstrated that eight studies provided data and demonstrated higher DFS (1/2), DMFS (2/3) and DMFT (5/8). This was confirmed by the meta-analysis difference of means(DiffM), which was 3.01([95%CI:1.47,4.54],p=0.0001) for DMFT and 10.30([95% CI:8.50,12.11],p<0.00001) for DMFS. Subgroup analysis showed that this difference is irrespective to the type of DM(DiffM=3.09;[95%CI:2.09,4.09],p<0.00001). CONCLUSION: There is moderate certainty for a higher DMF index score in DM patients as compared to those without DM disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This SR indicates a higher DMF index in DM patients. Oral disease prevention should be the focus of the dental care practitioner in this patient category.

[The added value of additional testing during the sterilization process]. / De toegevoegde waarde van additioneel testen tijdens het sterilisatieproces.

The records of the sterilization processes of 2 practices from the period 2012-2019 were analysed. The study evaluated whether sterilization processes with an additional steam penetration test gave a complete colour change. A total of 13,923 sterilization runs were evaluated. Reasons for unsuccessful sterilization runs were damp instruments (35%) or an error message on the sterilization apparatus display (35%). Of the 635 sterilization runs with the additional TST strip a complete colour change was observed in all cases. Of the 250 sterilization runs using an additional Helix Test, an incomplete colour change was observed in 2 cases. Based on this retrospective analysis, carrying out an additional test (TST strip or Helix Test) on a weekly basis did not appear to contribute to the detection of irregularities. Visual evaluation and checking the display following the sterilization process did do so.

ACCURACY OF CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS OF PERIODONTAL INFRABONY DEFECTS OF DIAGNOSTIC TEST ACCURACY (DTA) STUDIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of clinical and radiographic measurements of infrabony periodontal defects. METHODS: The MEDLINE-Pubmed and Cochrane-CENTRAL electronic databases were searched from initiation to May 2020. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials, human subjects with at least one infrabony defect, measurements of clinical attachment level (CAL), radiographic bone level (rBL), and intraoperative bone level (iBL) used as the reference standard. RESULTS: In total, 11 studies including 17 comparisons were included in this meta-analysis. All 17 comparisons showed that the values of the CAL and rBL measurements underestimated the iBL values. For CAL, the analysis showed a significant difference of means of -1.22 (P < .00001; 95%CI: [-1.49; -0.95]) and for rBL -1.10 (P < .00001; 95%CI: [-1.34; -0.85]). No significant DiffM were observed between the CAL and rBL measurements (DiffM -0.05; P = .76; 95%CI: [-0.39; 0.28]). CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that both clinical and radiographic measurements substantially underestimate the bone level when compared to intraoperative level measurements. However, there was no significant difference in the results between the clinical attachment level measurements and the radiographic observation.

Does playing a wind instrument influence tooth position and facial morphology? : Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically search the scientific literature concerning the influence of playing a wind instrument on tooth position and/or facial morphology. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched up to September 2019. Orthodontic journals were hand searched and grey literature was sought via Google Scholar. Observational studies and (randomized) controlled clinical trials that assessed tooth position and/or facial morphology by profile cephalograms, dental casts or clinical examination were included. The potential risk of bias was assessed. Data from wind instrument players and controls were extracted. Descriptive analysis and meta-analysis were performed. RESULTS: In total, 10 eligible studies with a cross-sectional (n = 7) or longitudinal design (n = 3) and an estimated low to serious risk of bias were included. Sample sizes ranged from 36 to 170 participants, varying from children to professional musicians. Descriptive analysis indicated that adults playing a single-reed instrument may have a larger overjet than controls. Playing a brass instrument might be associated with an increase in maxillary and mandibular intermolar width among children. Longitudinal data showed less increase in anterior facial height among brass and single-reed players between the age of 6 and 15. Children playing a wind instrument showed thicker lips than controls. Meta-analysis revealed that after a follow-up of 6 months to 3 years, children playing brass instruments had a significant reduction in overjet as compared to controls. The magnitude of the effect was of questionable clinical relevance and the generalizability was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Playing a wind instrument can influence tooth position and facial morphology in both children and adults. Aspects that stand out are overjet, arch width, facial divergence/convergence and lip thickness. However, evidence was sparse and the strength of the premise emerging from this review was graded to be "very low".

Will a chlorhexidine-fluoride mouthwash reduce plaque and gingivitis?

FOCUS QUESTION: What is the efficacy of a chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash (MW) containing sodium fluoride (NaF) compared to a CHX - MW alone on the parameters of plaque, gingivitis and discoloration? MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched for papers from inception to December 2017. The inclusion criteria were (randomized) controlled clinical trials conducted in human subjects with good general health and without removable prosthesis. Papers evaluating the effect of a MW containing CHX + NaF compared to a CHX alone were included. From the eligible studies, data were extracted, a descriptive analysis was performed and a meta-analysis when feasible. RESULTS: Independent screening of 412 unique papers resulted in 9 eligible publications presenting 10 clinical trials comparing the effect of CHX + NaF to CHX - MW and provided 13 comparisons. Five evaluated the MW as an adjunct to brushing and 8 were non-brushing comparisons of which 4 used an experimental gingivitis model. No significant difference was observed for plaque score reduction in the brushing studies the end scores (diffM; -0.04, P = .36; 95%CI: [-0.13, 0.05]) nor the differences (diffM; 0.11, P = .33; 95%CI: [-0.12, 0.24]). In the descriptive analysis, none of the experiments demonstrated a statistical significant difference regarding Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding Score and Discoloration Scores. For the GI, a meta-analysis of the difference of Means was not significant when included experimental gingivitis model studies end scores (0.01, P = .78; 95%CI: [-0.08, 0.11]) and the difference (0.01, P = .81; 9 5%CI: [-0.08, 0.10]) either for the end scores of brushing studies (diffM; -0.01, P = .82; 95%CI: [-0.10, 0.08]). CONCLUSION: From this study, it can be concluded that NaF and CHX may be present in the same MW without reducing CHX efficacy with respect to plaque and gingivitis scores. Moreover, no difference in the development of tooth discoloration was observed.

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.

[A PhD completed. Prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases and bad breath]. / Preventie en behandeling van parodontale aandoeningen en slechte adem.

Rinsing the mouth with water, or brushing with a dry toothbrush, does not contribute to an improvement in plaque removal during toothbrushing, nor does brushing according to a specific brushing regimen. Rinsing with water or drinking water has an immediate effect on bad morning breath. The combination of toothbrushing, tongue cleaning and a mouthwash has an effect on bad morning breath after 24 hours, in contrast with brushing with toothpaste only. The use of mouthwash with the specific ingredients chlorhexidine and essential oils has a positive effect on the reduction of gingivitis. The use of similar mouthwashes as a cooling solution in an ultrasonic device has no added effect on treatment results among periodontal patients. Water is an effective cooling solution.

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.

Whitening dentifrice and tooth surface discoloration-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of a whitening dentifrice (WDF) relative to a regular dentifrice (RDF) on the reduction of natural extrinsic tooth surface discoloration (ETD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EBSCO-Dentistry and Oral Sciences databases were searched, up to April 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows:(randomized)controlled clinical trials, healthy subjects ≥18 years of age, studies comparing WDF with RDF, a follow-up period of at least 6 weeks and studies scoring ETD as the stain area/extent, stain intensity or a composite score. Studies using an induced staining model were excluded. RESULTS: Independent screening of 851 unique papers resulted in 21 eligible publications, which included 32 comparisons. The descriptive analysis illustrated that the majority of comparisons showed a significant effect on ETD, in favour of WDF over RDF. The meta-analysis substantiated this observation and revealed that the difference of means (diffM) comparing WDF and RDF was a reduction for stain area of -0.44 [(95% CI: -0.55; -0.339) (P<.00001)] according to the original Lobene Stain Index; this result is in favour of the WDF. For the modified Lobene Stain Index, the diffM was -0.41 [(95% CI: -0.71; -0.10) (P=.009)]. For overall stain intensity, the diffM was -0.35 [(95% CI: -0.44; -0.25) (P<.00001)], and the composite score was -0.39 [(95% CI: -0.57; -0.21) (P<.0001)] and -0.54 [(95% CI: -0.66; -0.43) (P<.00001)]. Subgroup analysis differentiating between products that contained added chemical antidiscoloration agents showed a similar pattern. CONCLUSION: In this review, nearly all dentifrices that are specifically formulated for tooth whitening were shown to have a beneficial effect in reducing ETD, irrespective of whether or not a chemical discoloration agent was added.

Prevalence of diabetes among patients diagnosed with periodontitis: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of diabetes among patients with periodontitis and to evaluate whether diabetes is related to extent and severity of periodontitis. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of data observed over a 10-year period in patients referred to a specialized clinic for periodontology in the Netherlands. Patients received at the intake appointment a full-mouth periodontal examination, and based on the clinical data, patients were classified with respect to extent and severity of periodontitis. In addition, the prevalence of diabetes was recorded, based on self-report. RESULTS: A total of 5375 periodontitis patients were included in the study sample (mean age of 50 years). The prevalence of diabetes in this patient sample was 3.7% (n=192). No relation between diabetes and extent or severity of periodontitis could be established. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of diabetes in a predominantly "controlled" diabetic population was not related to the extent and/or severity of periodontitis along with the finding that the prevalence was lower than the national diabetes prevalence in the Netherlands.

Supportive periodontal treatment: Pocket depth changes and tooth loss.

AIM: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the results of 10 years of supportive periodontal treatment(SPT) following active periodontal therapy(APT). Probing pocket depth(PPD), bleeding on probing(BOP), tooth loss(TL)and the effects of two patient-related factors, smoking and gender were evaluated. METHODS: This retrospective study examined patients who underwent APT and SPT for adult periodontitis. Analyses were conducted using site-, tooth- and patient-level information. Mean values were calculated, and parametric and nonparametric analyses were conducted as appropriate to assess the results of APT and SPT. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in BOP and PPD after APT. After 10 years, 9.3% of the patients adhered to the SPT protocol. The improvement in BOP and PPD was maintained, with no additional improvement in the clinical parameters at the 10-year follow-up. Furthermore, differences between non-smokers and smokers were found. After the 10-year follow-up, smokers had a significantly higher percentage of sites with a PPD of 4 mm or higher; the mean PPD was also significantly higher in smokers. A significant difference was also found between males and females during SPT for the percentage of sites with BOP and the percentage of sites with a PPD≥6 mm. A minority of patients(18.5%) did not lose teeth, and it was found that molars are the teeth most likely to be lost. The mean number of teeth lost was 2.6 during 10-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that with regard to bleeding on probing and probing pocket depth, patients receiving supportive periodontal treatment maintain their periodontal condition. However, in this group of adherent maintenance patients, tooth loss was most prevalent for molar teeth.

Plaque removal with triple-headed vs single-headed manual toothbrushes-a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to establish the effectiveness of brushing with a triple-headed manual toothbrush compared to a single-headed manual toothbrush on plaque removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane-CENTRAL databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials conducted with humans without fixed orthodontic appliances who were not dental care professionals. Papers that evaluated the effect of toothbrushing with a triple-headed manual toothbrush compared to a single-headed manual toothbrush on plaque removal were included. Data were extracted from the eligible studies, and a descriptive analysis was performed. RESULT: The search retrieved 15 eligible publications including 18 relevant comparisons. Heterogeneity was most obvious with respect to the person who performed the brushing, either the participants themselves or a caregiver responsible for daily oral hygiene. Additionally, participant characteristics such as age and individual disabilities varied. A lack of appropriate data and a variation in the indices used allowed only a descriptive analysis. Of the 14 comparisons with self-performed brushing by the participants, the majority showed no difference between triple-headed and single-headed toothbrushes, with a few favouring the triple-headed. In the comparisons in which a caregiver performed the brushing, three of the four showed that the triple-headed toothbrush performed significantly better on the reduction in plaque scores. CONCLUSION: From this review emerges the recommendation that the use of a triple-headed manual toothbrush instead of a single-headed manual toothbrush might be favorable with respect to plaque removal in case a care-dependent individual is brushed by a caregiver.

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.

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.

[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.