Cross-angled versus flat-trim bristle tuft configurations in manual toothbrushes: A systematic review.

AIM: This systematic review synthesizes and evaluates the literature regarding the effect of manual toothbrushes (MTBs) with cross-angled bristle tufts (CA-TB) compared to flat-trim (FT-TB) configurations on plaque scores and parameters of gingival health in adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed-MEDLINE and Cochrane-CENTRAL databases were searched, from their insertion up to August 1st, 2023, to detect appropriate papers. Clinical trials involving adult patients without periodontitis who performed self-brushing were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcome parameters included plaque, bleeding, and gingival scores. Secondary outcomes encompassed signs of soft and hard tissue abnormalities. A descriptive analysis was conducted. When feasible, a meta-analysis was performed using either the 'fixed' or 'random effects' model, as appropriate. RESULTS: Nine eligible papers were retrieved, presenting 20 comparisons. There was considerable heterogeneity in the clinical and methodological design aspects of the included studies. In the descriptive analysis, eight out of 12 comparisons demonstrated a difference in plaque removal performance in favour of the CA-TB. However, data regarding bleeding and gingival index scores were inconclusive. A meta-analysis was performed on plaque, bleeding, and gingival index scores, including different indices used for scoring. The meta-analysis of short-term studies showed a medium effect statistically significant difference in the reduction of plaque scores in favour of the CA-TB (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI (0.51; 0.99)), but this was not substantiated in longer-term studies (SMD = -0.06; 95% CI(-0.44; 0.31)). No adverse events were described in any group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study design, short-term evaluations, as assessed with various plaque indices, show a weak certainty in favour of the cross-angled toothbrush over the flat-trim toothbrush. However, based on longer-term evaluations, there is insufficient support due to the inconsistent outcomes of the analysis.

An evaluation of 910 premolars transplanted in the anterior region-A retrospective analysis of survival, success, and complications.

AIM: The aim this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the survival, success and possible complications of transplanted premolars to the anterior region subdivided in development stage and patient's age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material comprised patients that underwent a tooth transplantation between April 2004 and December 2021. A total of 910 premolars were transplanted in 707 patients. Tooth mobility, oral hygiene, and periodontal parameters were clinically evaluated. Standardized radiographs were used to evaluate pulpal and periodontal healing and root formation. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The data were subdivided in three groups based on the stage of root development and patient's age. The average age at surgery was 16 years. The main indication for transplantation was trauma, followed by agenesis and other indications. Two premolars were lost during the whole observation period. The overall survival and success in the immature premolars group after an observation period of 10 years was 99.8%. The 10-year survival and success rate when fully developed premolars were transplanted in the anterior region in adolescents were 100% and 96.3%, respectively. In adults, the 10-year survival and success rate were 87.5%. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of premolars with developing and fully developed roots to the anterior region in children, adolescents, and adults is a predictable treatment modality.

Aerosol in the oral health-care setting: a misty topic.

Studies have shown that mouth and respiratory tract microorganisms can be transported in aerosol and spatter. Due to aerosol-generating procedures, there are potentially various infection risks for patients and those working in health care, especially in oral health care. Dental aerosol can contaminate not only the mucous membranes of the oral health-care professional's mouth, respiratory passages, and eyes but also exposed surfaces and materials in the environment. As such, preventing disease transmission within oral health-care offices is important issue. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an innumerable amount of (mis)information and advice on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus has been published. What preventive measures can and have been taken to counteract this, and what have we learned during the pandemic? This review summarizes relevant literature that has addressed the presence and dispersal of aerosol and spatter as a concern in health care. It includes the sources of dental aerosol, their potential health threats, and strategies for controlling and mitigating their impact. It shows that further research is needed to better understand the potential health risks of dental aerosol and to develop effective strategies for mitigating them. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using personal protective equipment, high-volume evacuation systems and pre-procedural antimicrobial agents can help to reduce the potential for infection in oral health-care settings and protect the well-being of oral health-care workers and their patients.

An evaluation of 1654 premolars transplanted in the posterior region-A retrospective analysis of survival, success and complications.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the survival, success and possible complications of transplanted premolars in the posterior region subdivided by developmental stage and patient age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included patients who underwent tooth transplantation between April 2004 and December 2021. A total of 1654 premolars were transplanted into 1243 patients. Tooth mobility, oral hygiene and periodontal parameters were clinically evaluated. Intraoral radiographs were used to evaluate pulpal and periodontal healing, and root formation. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Data were subdivided into three groups based on the stage of root development and patient age. The mean age at surgery was 14.5 years. The main indication for transplantation was agenesis, followed by trauma and other indications, such as impacted or malformed teeth. A total of 11 premolars were lost during the study period. The overall survival and success rates in the immature premolar group after an observation period of 10 years were 99.7% and 99.4%, respectively. High survival and success rates (95.7% and 95.5%, respectively) were also observed when fully developed premolars were transplanted into the posterior region of adolescents. In adults, the success rate after 10-year follow-up is 83.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of premolars with developing and fully developed roots is a predictable treatment modality.

Powered or manual toothbrushing for people with physical or intellectual disabilities - A systematic review.

AIMS: The aim of this systematic review is to compare the effectiveness of a powered (PTB) and a manual (MTB) toothbrush in the hands of people with physical (PD) or intellectual (ID) disabilities or in the hands of a caregiver on parameters of plaque and gingival inflammation. METHODS: MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched from initiation up to February 2022. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials conducted in people with PDs or IDs and comparing the effect of toothbrushing with a PTB to an MTB on plaque removal and gingival health. Data were extracted from the eligible studies and analyzed in four subgroups based firstly on the person performing the toothbrushing, either the participants or a caregiver, not a dental professional, and secondly on the main disability of the participants, either PD or ID. Heterogeneity and risk of bias were assessed, data were extracted from the eligible studies, and a descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: The search yielded 294 unique papers; after selection 16 eligible publications describing 25 comparisons were included: 12 self-brushing and 13 caregiver-brushing comparisons. Considerable clinical and methodological heterogeneity was present; together with limited numerical data, not allowing for a meta-analysis. The descriptive analysis showed, in the majority, no statistically significant difference between PTB and MTB. This applied to self-brushing and caregiver-brushing in both disability groups. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates with a low level of evidence that a PTB compared to an MTB in the hands of people with PD or ID or in the hands of their caregivers results in no clinical difference in effectiveness on parameters of plaque and gingival inflammation.

Microbiological status at intake in relation to clinical periodontal status at intake and the response to non-surgical periodontal therapy-A retrospective analysis.

AIM: Retrospective analysis of subgingival microbiological data at intake in relation to the clinical periodontal status at intake and following non-surgical periodontal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from a population that consisted of patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe periodontitis who had undergone non-surgical periodontal treatment between 2016 and 2020. The presence and number of eight selected putative periodontal pathogens [Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Parvimonas micra (Pm), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Treponema denticola (Td) and Filifactor alocis (Fa)] at intake and the percentage of teeth and sites with PPD >5 mm at intake and after treatment were extracted. Correlations within collected data were analysed with adjustment for multiple comparisons. Sub-analyses were performed based on gender, age, and smoking and diabetic status. RESULTS: Six hundred and sixty-one patients could be included. The percentage of teeth with PPD >5 mm and the percentage of sites with PPD >5 mm at intake were significantly correlated to Pi, Tf, Pm, Fn and Fa. Patients with higher numbers of these pathogens at intake had a better treatment response. Those patients with higher numbers of Aa had a lower percentage of teeth and sites with PPD >5 mm at intake. Those with higher numbers of Aa also showed a smaller decrease in the percentage of sites with PPD >5 mm. CONCLUSION: The clinical periodontal status at intake and the response to treatment showed a weak but significant positive relationship for Pi, Tf, Pm, Fn and Fa. Conversely, higher numbers of Aa at intake were associated with more localized periodontitis and a reduced treatment response.

Anaesthesia and Caries Treatment by Dental Hygienists: A Worldwide Review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to summarise the competencies and legal position of the dental hygienist (DH) regarding local anaesthesia and caries treatment through a worldwide review. METHODS: A structured and peer-reviewed online questionnaire consisting of 27 questions was developed and emailed to all DH associations that are members of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists or European Dental Hygienists Federation. After obtaining the data, all responding associations were contacted to confirm that the data were summarised in the correct order and were asked to provide further clarification of answers if necessary. A descriptive analysis was performed to summarise the data. RESULTS: Thirty-one countries were approached and 26 responded, resulting in a response rate of 84%. In 62% of the countries, the DH can administer local anaesthesia via infiltration and/or block anaesthesia. In 23% of the countries, the DH can indicate the placement of a caries restoration. In 15% of the countries, the DH can place caries restorations. In 81% of the countries, the DH can apply sealants. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variation exists amongst countries regarding the extended scope of DH practice. Overall, independently administering local anaesthesia appears to be more accepted as being within the scope of DH practice than caries removal and the placement of restorations.

The efficacy of an oscillating-rotating power toothbrush compared to a high-frequency sonic power toothbrush on parameters of dental plaque and gingival inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To establish the efficacy of oscillating-rotating power toothbrush (OR-PTB) compared to high-frequency sonic power toothbrush (HFS-PTB) on improving parameters of plaque and gingival inflammation. Safety and participants' preference were secondary interests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane-CENTRAL databases were searched, up to April 2021. Inclusion criteria were (randomized)controlled clinical trials that evaluated healthy humans brushing with an OR-PTB compared to a HFS-PTB. Evaluation for a minimum of 4 weeks, of one or more of the following parameters: plaque index scores (PI), bleeding scores (BS), number of bleeding sites (NoB) and gingival index scores (GI). RESULTS: Thirty two publications involving 38 comparisons were included after the independent screening. The descriptive analysis showed that in 54% of the comparisons, a significant difference in favour of the OR-PTB was found for PI, BS and GI scores. The Quigley and Hein index showed a significant difference of means (DiffM) between the end scores (DiffM 0.13, 95% CI [0.05;0.21] p < 0.001), as well as for the Rustogi-modified Navy index (DiffM 0.01, 95% CI [0.01;0.03] p = 0.002). This is in line with the meta-analysis for BS (DiffM 0.09, 95% CI [0.03;0.14] p = 0.003), for which the results were in favour of the OR-PTB and considered potentially clinically relevant. NoB showed a significant difference in favour of the OR-PTB for the end scores (DiffM 3.61, 95% CI [2.63;4.58] p < 0.00001). No difference in safety was indicated, 78% of participants preferred the OR-PTB. CONCLUSION: For patients to maintain good plaque control and improve gingival health, there is a small but significant difference based on longer-term studies between OR-PTB and HFS-PTB. This difference is potentially clinically relevant.

SARS-CoV-2 TEST OUTCOMES AMONG DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS WITH COVID-19-LIKE COMPLAINTS - A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS FROM THE NETHERLANDS.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate, among individuals with COVID-19-like symptoms, the percentage of SARS-CoV-2 positive oral health care workers relative to health care workers in general and a non-close-contact occupation reference group in the Netherlands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was retrospectively analyzed based on data extracted from the CoronIT database. This contained mass testing data for those experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 recorded from June 2020 up to February 2021. The total number of tests taken and the number of SARS-CoV-2 positive tests were assessed. Sub-analyses were performed for oral health care and health care workers based in professional working locations, long-term care facilities, hospitals, or elsewhere. RESULTS: In total, data from 1,999,390 tests were obtained. Overall, 9.4% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the three occupational groups. This was 9.2% for oral health care workers, 9.5% for health care workers, and 9.3% for the non-close-contact occupation reference group. For the three occupational groups the adjusted odds ratio with the month as covariate varied from 0.76 to 1.12. The odds ratio for oral health care workers compared to health care workers was 1 [95% CI:0.95;1.05] and 0.97 [95% CI:0.92;1.02] compared to the non-close-contact occupation reference group. Interpretation of the magnitude of the odds ratio indicates that the observed differences are none to very small. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic oral health care providers were required to adhere to the COVID-19-specific amendments to the national infection control guidelines. Based on the data gathered, dentists and dental hygienists with COVID-19-like symptoms do not test SARS-CoV-2 positive more often than other health care workers or those with a non-close-contact occupation. This supports the assumption that working during the pandemic using the Dutch standard hygiene guideline supplemented with the COVID guideline for oral health care is adequately safe.

Implant-abutment emergence angle and profile in relation to peri-implantitis: A systematic review.

STATEMENT: The aim of this systematic review is to analyze literature regarding the relationship between the implant-abutment emergence angle (EA) and implant emergence profile (EP) and the prevalence of peri-implantitis. METHODS: PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies from initiation up to April 2022. Studies describing the EA and EP in association with peri-implantitis were considered eligible for this review and selected for inclusion in this review if implant groups with wide and narrow EA and different EP types were described. RESULTS: Searches in PubMed and the Cochrane Library led to 1116 unique titles and the inclusion of three studies. These concerned 168-349 implants. Two studies presented the mean prevalence of peri-implantitis which was 16.7% and 24.8% at the implant level. Both studies showed a significant relationship between peri-implantitis in bone-level implant groups with an EA above 30° compared to implants with an EA below 30°. A third study presented marginal bone loss which tended to be smaller when the EA was around 20°-40°. In one of the three included studies, the prevalence of peri-implantitis was significantly higher if implants had a convex EP compared to a concave or straight EP. Another study showed a significantly higher prevalence of peri-implantitis in implants with a convex EP compared to other EP types, if combined with an EA above 30°. CONCLUSIONS: Three eligible studies were found. Reported associations should therefore be considered with caution. Synthesis suggests an association between a larger EA (>30°) and a higher prevalence of peri-implantitis or marginal bone loss compared to a smaller EA (<30°). A convex EP may also be associated with a higher prevalence of peri-implantitis. However, causality remains a question.

Bone remodeling around dental implants after 1-1.5 years of functional loading: A retrospective analysis of two-stage implants.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to retrospectively assess to what extent peri-implant bone level changes occur from exposing the implant to the oral environment at the second stage of surgery (SSS) to the baseline assessment and, additionally, after 1-1.5 years of functional loading. Further, this study aims to examine the role of the emergence angle in marginal bone changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 46 patients treated between 2012 and 2019. These patients received 64 bone-level dental implants. After implant placement, SSS, and baseline assessment, relevant clinical peri-implant conditions and radiographical data were collected. A radiographic examination of the marginal bone level was performed after SSS, the baseline assessment, and 1-1.5 years of follow-up. RESULTS: The peri-implant periodontal probing depth increased significantly from 3.08 ± 0.7 mm at the baseline to 3.27 ± 0.81 mm at the 1-1.5-year follow-up. The mean marginal bone level at the implant level was 0.12 ± 0.23, 0.35 ± 0.43, and 0.47 ± 0.47 mm at the SSS, baseline, and the 1-1.5-year follow-up, respectively. Most changes occurred at the implant's distal site. A significant relationship was found between the emergence angle and the extent of change in the marginal bone level between the SSS and baseline (r = .430, p ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS: Most changes in the marginal bone level occurred between SSS and baseline assessments. For diagnostic purposes, it is advised to obtain a standardized radiograph after SSS to monitor peri-implant bone-level alterations.

Worldwide Review of Dental Hygienists' Extended Scope of Practice in Radiology.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to summarise the competencies and legal position of the dental hygienist (DH) regarding oral radiology through a worldwide review. METHODS: A structured and peer-reviewed online questionnaire of 27 questions was developed. This was emailed to all DH associations that are members of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) or European Dental Hygienists Federation (EDHF). After obtaining the data, all responding associations were contacted to confirm that the data were summarised in the correct order and were asked to provide further clarification of answers if necessary. A descriptive analysis was performed to summarise the data. RESULTS: The response rate was 84%, as 26 out of 31 countries completed the questionnaire. In 78% of the countries, the DH can legally take intraoral radiographs, but in 42% of the countries, the dentist first needs to provide a referral or indication for a radiograph. In 46% of the countries, the DH may not formulate a diagnosis based on a radiograph. In only 27% of the countries, the DH can independently own radiographic equipment. CONCLUSIONS: The required qualifications, skills, and scope of practice of the DH regarding oral radiology vary by country and, within some countries, even vary by state or province.

The efficacy of a rubber bristles interdental cleaner on parameters of oral soft tissue health-a systematic review.

AIM: This study aimed to establish the efficacy of a rubber bristles interdental cleaner (RBIC) as an adjunct to toothbrushing (TB) compared to that of the adjuvant use of other interdental cleaning devices and TB alone on plaque and gingivitis parameters. Additionally, the safety aspects and panellists' appreciation were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases were searched for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating plaque (PI), bleeding (BS), and gingival index (GI) scores, safety assessments, and participants' appreciation. Extracted data were summarized in a descriptive and, if possible, a meta-analysis. RESULTS: The search retrieved 142 unique papers; six studies with 10 comparisons were included in a descriptive analysis. Five RCTs compared RBICs with interdental brushes (IDBs), four with dental floss (DF) and one with manual TB only. No comparisons to wood sticks were retrieved. Using an RBIC resulted in no difference in plaque scores compared to DF and IDBs. For overall bleeding scores, no difference was found. Two studies analysing the accessible sites separately found RBICs to be more favourable than DF and IDBs. Conversely, one study evaluating the efficacy of RBICs compared to IDBs, according to the GI scores, showed that IDBs achieved significantly greater reduction. Moreover, RBICs caused fewer gingival abrasions and were preferred by the study participants. CONCLUSION: Based on a descriptive and a meta-analysis of the available literature, it is synthesized that in gingivitis patients, a weak to very weak certainty exists that a RBIC is indicated for gingivitis and plaque reduction. The evidence supports user safety and participants' preferences.

The efficacy of powered toothbrushes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

AIM: This systematic review and network meta-analysis synthesizes the available clinical evidence concerning efficacy with respect to plaque scores following a brushing action with oscillating-rotating (OR) or high-frequency sonic (HFS) powered toothbrushes (PTB) compared with a manual toothbrush (MTB) as control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Databases were searched up to 1 August 2021, for clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of a PTB with OR or HFS technology compared with an MTB on plaque removal after a single-brushing action and conducted with healthy adult patients. Meta-analysis (MA) and a network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight eligible publications, including 56 relevant comparisons, were retrieved. The overall NMA results for the mean post-brushing score showed a statistically significant difference for the comparison between an OR PTB and an MTB (SMD = -0.43; 95% CI [-0.696;-0.171]). The change in plaque score data showed a significant effect of a PTB over an MTB and OR over HFS. Based on ranking, the OR PTB was highest, followed by the HFS PTB and the MTB. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study design, based on the outcome following a single-brushing action, it can be concluded that for dental plaque removal, there is a high certainty for a small effect of a PTB over an MTB. This supports the recommendation to use a powered toothbrush for daily plaque removal. There is moderate certainty for a very small benefit for the use of a powered toothbrush with an OR over an HFS mode of action.

Comparison of three qPCR-based commercial tests for detection of periodontal pathogens.

In periodontal practice microbial results of periodontal test kits for identification of key pathogens are an aid in the treatment planning. Information on the performance of commercially available test kits is therefore essential for the clinician. In this retrospective analysis three commercially available qPCR kits for detection and quantification of selected periodontal bacterial species were compared, using 100 clinical samples from patients with untreated periodontitis. The analysis involved two separate comparisons in which kit A (LabOral Diagnostics, The Netherlands) was compared with kit B (Advanced Dental Diagnostics, The Netherlands), and with kit C (OralDent diagnostics, The Netherlands). Analytic procedures for detection and quantification of selected periodontal bacterial species were carried out according to the instructions of the laboratories. Kit A detected target species more often, and absolute numbers of bacterial cells were higher than with kit B. A high degree of similarity was found between the test outcomes by kit A and kit C. All three kits performed satisfactory but small and significant differences exist between kits.

Outcome of peri-implant maintenance care in patients with an implant-supported lower denture-A 3.5-year retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Implant-supported overdentures represent a successful treatment for edentulous patients. As early diagnosis, detection and supportive care are considered key factors for the prevention of peri-implant diseases, consistent maintenance of these implants is becoming increasingly relevant. PURPOSE: This retrospective analysis evaluated a cohort of edentulous patients with a mandibular implant-supported overdenture over a period of 3.5 years during which the peri-implant tissues were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 patients that had consistently adhered to the annual maintenance appointments was selected. The clinical peri-implant pocket probing depth (PiPPD) and peri-implant bleeding on probing score (PiBOP) were investigated. Data from the 3.5-year follow-up were compared to data from the baseline assessment. RESULTS: A 100% implant survival was reported after 3.5 years. The mean PiBOP showed a significant decrease over time (P = .028). The mean PiPPD was found significantly deeper for male patients both at baseline (P = .004) and 3.5-year follow-up (P < .001). Besides, the PiPPD for locator anchorages was found significantly deeper compared to ball anchorages at the 3.5-year follow-up (P = .026). CONCLUSION: In those patients that adhered to the annual maintenance visits during the 3.5 years after implant surgery a stable peri-implant condition was observed. As future consideration, the comparison of the clinical outcomes of patients participating in the maintenance program with those that did not would make this observation even more meaningful.

Diabetes Medication Metformin Inhibits Osteoclast Formation and Activity in In Vitro Models for Periodontitis.

Diabetes and periodontitis are comorbidities and may share common pathways. Several reports indicate that diabetes medication metformin may be beneficial for the periodontal status of periodontitis patients. Further research using appropriate cell systems of the periodontium, the tissue that surrounds teeth may reveal the possible mechanism. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts anchor teeth in bone and play a role in the onset of both alveolar bone formation and degradation, the latter by inducing osteoclast formation from adherent precursor cells. Therefore, a cell model including this type of cells is ideal to study the influence of metformin on both processes. We hypothesize that metformin will enhance bone formation, as described for osteoblasts, whereas the effects of metformin on osteoclast formation is yet undetermined. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of osteogenic medium and 0.2 or 1 mM metformin. The influence of metformin on osteoclast formation was first studied in PDLF cultures supplemented with peripheral blood leukocytes, containing osteoclast precursors. Finally, the effect of metformin on osteoclast precursors was studied in cultures of CD14+ monocytes that were stimulated with M-CSF and receptor activator of Nf-κB ligand (RANKL). No effects of metformin were observed on osteogenesis: not on alkaline phosphatase activity, Alizarin red deposition, nor on the expression of osteogenic markers RUNX-2, Collagen I and Osteonectin. Metformin inhibited osteoclast formation and accordingly downregulated the genes involved in osteoclastogenesis: RANKL, macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and osteoclast fusion gene DC-STAMP. Osteoclast formation on both plastic and bone as well as bone resorption was inhibited by metformin in M-CSF and RANKL stimulated monocyte cultures, probably by reduction of RANK expression. The present study unraveling the positive effect of metformin in periodontitis patients at the cellular level, indicates that metformin inhibits osteoclast formation and activity, both when orchestrated by periodontal ligament fibroblasts and in cytokine driven osteoclast formation assays. The results indicate that metformin could have a systemic beneficiary effect on bone by inhibiting osteoclast formation and activity.

Dental plaque score reduction with an oscillating-rotating power toothbrush and a high-frequency sonic power toothbrush: a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-brushing exercises.

AIM: To establish the effect of a single-brushing exercise on dental plaque removal using an oscillating-rotating power toothbrush (OR-PTB) as compared to a high-frequency sonic power toothbrush (HFS-PTB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane-CENTRAL databases were searched up to September 2019. The inclusion criteria contained (randomized) controlled clinical trials involving healthy adult participants brushing with an OR-PTB as compared to an HFS-PTB. Plaque index (PI) scores were evaluated after a single-brushing exercise. RESULTS: A total of 15 publications were included, representing 34 comparisons, of which 8 were professional brushing exercises and 26 participant brushing exercises. The potential risk of bias was estimated to be low. In the overall descriptive analysis of 34 comparisons, 19 comparisons showed a statistically significant difference in favour of the OR-PTB and 4 in favour of the HFS-PTB. The meta-analysis using the professional brushing study design showed a significant difference of means (DiffM) in favour of the OR-PTB (PI score) (DiffM 0.19; P < .0001) (95% CI [013; 0.25]). In those studies where the participants brushed themselves, the data were inconclusive. PI scores showed no difference between the two brushes (P = .15), while one plaque index (the Rustogi Modified Navy plaque index) indicated significant favour for the OR-PTB (DiffM 0.06; P = .002) (95% CI [0.02; 0.09]). CONCLUSION: Based on the estimated evidence profile, there is moderate certainty of evidence of a very small but significant beneficial effect on plaque removal after a single-brushing exercise with the OR-PTB over the HFS-PTB.

Contemporary practices for mechanical oral hygiene to prevent periodontal disease.

It is well established that dental plaque on teeth leads to gingivitis and periodontitis, and that several mechanical and chemical methods of plaque control can prevent gingivitis. The aim of the current review is to summarize and synthesize the available scientific evidence supporting practices for mechanical oral hygiene to prevent periodontal diseases. Evidence for contemporary practices of mechanical oral hygiene to prevent periodontal disease relies on studies of gingivitis patients. General recommendations concerning the ideal oral hygiene devices and procedures are still inconclusive. However, toothbrushing and interdental cleaning remain the mainstays of prevention of periodontal diseases. The primary approach requires individually tailored instruction for implementation of a systematic oral hygiene regimen.

Tongue coating in relationship to gender, plaque, gingivitis and tongue cleaning behaviour in systemically healthy young adults.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this observational study was to investigate the relationship between tongue coating (thickness [Tc] and surface discoloration [Td]) and gender, plaque, gingivitis (bleeding on marginal probing [BOMP] and bleeding on pocket probing [BOPP]) and tongue cleaning behaviour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 336 participants were screened for this cross-sectional study, from which 268 (150 male, 118 female) were found to be eligible. Aspects of tongue coating were visually assessed. Additionally, BOMP, BOPP and the plaque index (PI) were scored. To ascertain the tongue cleaning behaviour, the Oral Hygiene Behavior questionnaire was used. RESULTS: Most tongue coating was found at the posterior sections of the tongue surface. A thin coating and white discoloration were most prevalent as highest score for both males (92.7%) and females (87.4%), as well as white discoloration for the whole group of participants (50.2%). A gender difference was observed for TC and Td (P < .001). Analysis did not reveal a relationship between Tc and PI and between Td and PI. Also, no relation was detected between tongue cleaning behaviour and Tc or Td. However, tongue cleaning was associated with lower BOMP and BOPP scores. CONCLUSION: BOMP, BOPP or PI score did not appear to be linked to Tc and Td. A significant gender difference was found for Tc and Td. Self-reported tongue cleaning behaviour was associated with slightly lower BOMP and BOPP scores.