Clinical Investigation of Bioelectric Toothbrush for Dentin Hypersensitivity Management: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate how effectively the bioelectric toothbrush can alleviate dentin hypersensitivity (DHS) by using electrostatic forces to remove biofilm from the tooth surface. METHODS: This study divided inpatients of a preventative dental clinic between March and October 2023 into the following two groups: a bioelectric toothbrush group (BET, n = 25) and a non-bioelectric toothbrush group (NBET, n = 18) as a control group. This was a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study. A survey, the number of hypersensitive teeth, the O'Leary index, the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCASS) were also investigated. RESULTS: When fluoride toothpaste was applied with a bioelectric toothbrush, the subjects' VAS and SCASS scores reflecting symptoms of hyperesthesia significantly decreased over time, as did the number of hypersensitive teeth and the O'Leary index. Moreover, the bioelectric toothbrush was confirmed to be effective in removing dental plaque. CONCLUSIONS: Dental clinics must actively promote bioelectric toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste for patients suffering from hyperesthesia and pain. Furthermore, these items can be suggested as preventative oral care products to patients with potential hyperesthesia.

Cleansing efficacy of the electric toothbrush Oral-B® iO™ compared to conventional oscillating-rotating technology: a randomized-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the cleansing efficacy of the Oral-B® iO™ electric toothbrush incorporating oscillating-rotating technology with microvibrations - with a traditional oscillating-rotating toothbrush. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult participants were randomly assigned to use the iO™ electric toothbrush with the brush head iO™ Ultimate Clean or the traditional oscillating-rotating toothbrush Oral-B® Genius® with the Cross-Action brush head. Oral hygiene indices (Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index and Gingival Bleeding Index) were assessed before and after 28 days of home use of the assigned product. Participants were instructed to refrain from interdental hygiene during the study period. After a 2-week washout period, the clinical investigation was repeated in a crossover design. RESULTS: All 30 participants completed the study with no dropouts. After 28 days of use, the iO™ showed statistically significantly lower plaque levels than the conventional oscillating-rotating toothbrush (25.09% vs. 30.60%, p = 0.029). This difference was particularly noticeable in marginal and approximal areas. There were no significant distinctions in gingival bleeding indices. CONCLUSIONS: The Oral-B® iO™ electric toothbrush displayed enhanced plaque removal efficiency compared to a conventional oscillating-rotating technology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the potential benefits of advanced toothbrush technologies for plaque reduction and encourages further research.

Oral health behavior of pregnant women in Nigeria: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Oral health care behaviors during pregnancy affects maternal and child health outcomes. This scoping review sought to map the existing literature on the oral healthcare behaviors of pregnant women in Nigeria. METHODS: PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, EBSCOHOST, Sabinet, African Index Medicus, and Scopus data based were searched in August 2023. Articles with reports on the oral health behavior of pregnant women in Nigeria, published in English in peer review were included in the review. Articles whose full lengths could not be accessed, and commentaries on studies, and letters to the editor were also excluded. Data on authors and year of publication of the study, study location, study objective, study design, methodological approach for data collection, and study outcomes were extracted and descriptively synthesized. RESULTS: The search yielded a total of 595 articles of which 573 were unique. Only 21 articles were left after titles and abstracts screening and only 18 articles met the eligibility criteria. The proportion of pregnant women had utilized dental services ranged from 4 to 62.9%, the use of toothbrush and toothpaste ranged from 59.6 to 99.3%, twice daily tooth brushing ranged from 5.2 to 66.9%, and the use of toothbrush among pregnant women in the studies varies from 70.9 to 100%. Chewing stick was used by 0.1-27.7% of study participants. Dental problems such as caries, pain, swollen gums, and excessive salivation were reasons for seeking dental care. We identified individual, structural, and behavioral factors, including myths as barriers for dental service utilization. CONCLUSION: This scoping review shows that dental service utilization by pregnant women in Nigeria is poor and mainly due to curative than preventive needs. Oral health behaviours also need to be improved through tailored oral health education accessible to pregnant women in Nigeria.

Bone Toothbrush Handles in Chinese Tang Dynasty Ash Pits.

China has been recognized as an important birthplace of dentistry in the world. The bone toothbrush from ash pits in the museum of the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine confirms that the Chinese had the awareness of cleaning their teeth and the tools to do for over 1000 years. These findings help to promotes the study of the historical development of dentistry in China.

Assessing oral and toothbrush microbial profiles among high-altitude individuals with and without periodontal disease: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is the sixth-most common disease worldwide. The oral microbiome composition and its association with Periodontal disease (PD) have been largely explored; however, limited studies have explored the microbial profiles of both oral and toothbrushes in patients with PD. Thus, this study aimed to ascertain the oral and toothbrushes microbial composition in high-altitude populations, hypothesizing that their correlation with periodontal health would differ from those at lower altitudes, potentially indicating links between environmental factors, microbial colonization patterns, and periodontal health in distinct geographic contexts. METHODS: In the present study, we enrolled 35 individuals including 21 healthy and 14 diagnosed with PD from the Lhasa region of Tibet, China. Saliva and toothbrush samples were collected from each participant to assess the association between toothbrush usage and oral microbiome with PD using 16 S rRNA gene-specific V3-V4 regions sequencing. To assess the oral and toothbrush microbiome composition and diversity and its possible link to PD. RESULTS: Significantly higher Alpha diversity (Shannon index) was observed between the PD group and PD toothbrushes (p = 0.00021) and between the PD group and Healthy toothbrushes (p = 0.00041). The predominant species were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria, with genera Pseudomonas, Veillonella, Neisseria, Acinetobacter, and Haemophilus. In addition, PICRUST2 analysis unveiled 44 significant pathways differentiating the disease and healthy groups, along with 29 pathways showing significant differences between their respective toothbrush microbial profiles. The distinct oral and toothbrush microbial composition among high-altitude populations suggests potential adaptations to the challenges of high-altitude environments. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of tailored dental care strategies, accounting for altitude and racial factors, to effectively manage periodontal health in these communities. Further research is warranted to investigate the specific microbial mechanisms and develop targeted interventions for optimizing oral health in populations across varying altitudes.

Comparative Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Color Stability Between Single-Shade Composite and Multi-Shade Composite: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Composite resin materials are a popular choice for direct tooth-colored restorative purposes due to their excellent aesthetic qualities and versatility. The key determinants that impact the visual aspect of the restoration are gloss, surface roughness, and color stability. Research indicates that there is a direct correlation between the level of roughness on a composite resin surface and the likelihood of discoloration. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the surface roughness and color stability of a single-shade and multi-shade composite resin after subjecting it to toothbrush simulation and immersion in coffee and an aerated drink. Materials and methods Ten single-shade composite resins and 10 multi-shade composite resins were packed into a Teflon mold and light cured. Pre-operative surface roughness values were evaluated using a surface profilometer. Toothbrush abrasion was simulated using a toothbrushing simulator. All these resin molds were then evaluated for initial color using a spectrophotometer machine (Konica Minolta, Japan). Five resin molds were then immersed in a beaker containing coffee for seven days and five resin molds were immersed into a beaker containing an aerated drink for seven days. Following this, the resin molds were re-evaluated for color stability using a spectrophotometer machine. Results The results of this study show that single-shade composite showed increased discoloration when compared with multi-shade composite resin. Also, there is a statistical difference between the single-shade composite and multi-shade composite when it comes to surface roughness and discoloration. Conclusion With the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that single-shade composite resins have more discoloration potential in beverages than multi-shade composite resins.

Don't Rush with Your Brush: An In Vitro Study on Toothbrush Hygiene.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual (AV) aids in creating awareness of toothbrush hygiene. Materials and methods: This randomized trial study was conducted on 40 children aged 6-11 years. Children were given soft toothbrushes and then collected after brushing for 14 days. The toothbrushes were collected and sent to the laboratory for microbial culture evaluation. A questionnaire consisting of various questions regarding daily toothbrush hygiene practices was filled by the parents at the same time. After 14 days, brushes were collected, and the parents were shown an AV aid regarding toothbrush decontamination, parental awareness, and supervision. Those children were given new sets of toothbrushes and instructed to decontaminate them with chlorhexidine solution. After 14 days, the same questionnaire was filled out by the parents and toothbrushes were collected and immediately sent to the laboratory for microbial culture evaluation. Results: All the sampled toothbrushes had significant (p < 0.001) bacterial growth after 14 days of use. The use of disinfectant led to a 99.98% reduction in microbial colony counts. Hence, showed a significant result. Questionnaire analysis showed a positive parental approach toward maintaining toothbrush hygiene. Conclusion: Cleaning and disinfection of toothbrushes is crucial to stop the spread of disease since bacterial contamination cannot be 100% eliminated. AV aids can be effective tools for increasing awareness. Clinical significance: Through this study, we want to emphasize toothbrush hygiene and create awareness for the same through AV aid because a healthy toothbrush leads to healthy oral health. How to cite this article: Sharma S, Tandon S, Rai TS, et al. Don't Rush with Your Brush: An In Vitro Study on Toothbrush Hygiene. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):162-167.

Manual toothbrushes, self-toothbrushing, and replacement duration to remove dental plaque and improve gingival health: A scoping review from recent research.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate characteristics of manual toothbrushes, self-toothbrushing methods, and replacement duration of manual toothbrushes that effectively remove dental plaque, reduce gingivitis, and promote gingival health. STUDY DATA AND SOURCES: PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus and Central Register Cochrane of Controlled trials (CENTRAL) were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) from 01 January 2018 to 12 December 2023. Articles were subjected for including participants aged six years and older with a study duration of at least four weeks to investigate the efficacy of manual toothbrushes used self-toothbrushing. To investigate the appropriate time to replace manual toothbrushes, this study was focused on the physical properties of the bristles and changes in the microorganisms present in the bristles over time. STUDY SELECTION: Of 1520 retrieved articles, 26 studies were included after screening. The total number of manual toothbrushes was 40 and 5 kinds of self-toothbrushing techniques were selected in the review. 4 studies investigated the changes the physical properties bristles of manual toothbrushes. CONCLUSIONS: Among manual toothbrushes, the cross-angle and indicator bristles were found to significantly improve dental plaque index and gingival condition. Most toothbrushes with soft bristles had a trend of superior dental plaque removal and gingivitis improvement efficacy. Toothbrush with end-round shape bristles tip has tended to reduce the dental plaque and gingival index scores. Studies reported that brushing twice a day for at least two minutes using the Bass method had a positive effect on the dental plaque and gingival index. Further research is required to investigate the relationships between property physical bristle and clinical intraoral indices to clarify the replacement duration of manual toothbrushes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of this study could guide people's daily self-brushing habits, thereby aiding the prevention of periodontal disease. Moreover, our findings suggest the need for strategic clinical trial designs to verify the ideal timing to replace manual toothbrushes.

It is the habit not the handle that affects tooth brushing - a randomised counterbalanced cross over study with young and healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the toothbrush handle on video-observed toothbrushing behaviour and toothbrushing effectiveness. METHODS: This is a randomized counterbalanced cross-over study. N = 50 university students and employees brushed their teeth at two occasions, one week apart, using either a commercial ergonomically designed manual toothbrush (MT) or Brushalyze V1 (BV1), a manual toothbrush with a thick cylindrical handle without any specific ergonomic features. Brushing behaviour was video-analysed. Plaque was assessed at the second occasion immediately after brushing. Participants also rated their self-perceived oral cleanliness and directly compared the two brushes regarding their handling and compared them to the brushed they used at home. RESULTS: The study participants found the BV1 significantly more cumbersome than the M1 or their brush at home. (p < 0.05). However, correlation analyses revealed a strong consistency of brushing behavior with the two brushes (0.71 < r < 0.91). Means differed only slightly (all d < 0.36). These differences became statistically significant only for the brushing time at inner surfaces (d = 0.31 p = 0.03) and horizontal movements at inner surfaces (d = 0.35, p = 0.02). Plaque levels at the gingival margins did not differ while slightly more plaque persisted at the more coronal aspects of the crown after brushing with BV1 (d = 0.592; p 0.042). DISCUSSION: The results of the study indicate that the brushing handle does not play a major role in brushing behavior or brushing effectiveness.

The long-term effect on oral health and quality of life using a powered toothbrush in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. An intervention trial.

BACKGROUND: The number of older individuals with mild cognitive impairment and neurocognitive diseases is increasing, which may rapidly deteriorate oral health and Quality of life. Therefore, removing dental biofilm is essential for maintaining good oral health. The present study aimed to investigate whether introducing a powered toothbrush reduces the presence of dental plaque, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pockets ≥4 mm, leading to maintained or improved oral health and improved Quality of life in a group of older individuals with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: Two hundred and thirteen individuals aged 55 or older living without official home care with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 20 and 28 and a history of memory problems in the previous 6 months were recruited and screened for the study. The individuals received a powered toothbrush and thorough instructions on how to use it. Clinical oral examinations, Quality of life examinations, and MMSE tests were conducted at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. The intervention group was compared to control groups at baseline and 24-month examination. It was divided into an MMSE high group with a score of more than 26 and an MMSE low group with a score of 26 and lower or decreasing two steps or more for 12 months. RESULTS: PI, BOP, and PPD≥4 mm improved continuously in both MMSE groups during the 24 months of the study. The values for QoL-AD deteriorated over time, while the oral health-related Quality of life did not show any statistically significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Introducing a powered toothbrush improved PI, BOP, and PPD≥4 mm over 24 months, even among individuals with low or declining MMSE scores. Improved oral health is associated with a preserved OHR-QoL.

Factors associated with toothbrushing performance among children: An observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Effective removal of dental plaque is essential factor for prevention of caries, gingival, and periodontal diseases in children and adults. AIM: To evaluate factors associated with improving toothbrushing performance (TB-P) among children. DESIGN: An observational cohort study analyzed all paediatric patients receiving regular examinations in a single dental clinic between 2009 and 2017 and regularly brushing their teeth with a triple-headed toothbrush (TH-TB). At every periodic follow-up, the TB-P of the child/parent was evaluated using the TB-P Skill Index (TB-PS-I); that is, did the child reach all five teeth segments within each arch and did he/she perform 10 back-and-forth stocks in each segment. When not optimal, they received instructions for improving TB-P and subsequently were asked to re-demonstrate. TB-PS-I was calculated and analyzed for correlation with other explanatory variables. RESULTS: A total of 1737 children with 7399 follow-up appointments were analyzed. Older age, female gender, higher number of follow-up appointments, and compliance with twice-daily toothbrushing significantly improved TB-P. The most typical mistakes in their performance were not reaching the canine segments and not performing enough strokes in each segment. Instructions given after imperfect TB-P significantly improved the TB-P. The magnitude of improvement, however, did not correlate with the performers' age, gender, or the number of follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of children >8 years did not perform optimal toothbrushing even when using TH-TB.

Accidental Toothbrush Ingestion.

The accidental ingestion of a toothbrush is an extremely rare occurrence, typically involving young women with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bulimia, or anorexia nervosa. There are no known cases of a swallowed toothbrush being expelled naturally through the rectum. Therefore, prompt extraction of an ingested toothbrush from the gastrointestinal tract using a surgical or endoscopic method is a necessity. Here, we report a case of a psychologically healthy woman ingesting a toothbrush accidentally while cleaning her tongue with the back of the toothbrush. In our report, we document the successful extraction of a toothbrush from the esophagus endoscopically without any complications.

Salvadora persica leaves: phytochemical profile and in vitro-inhibitory activity on inflammatory mediators implicated in periodontal disease.

CONTEXT: Virtually all parts of Salvadora persica L. (Salvadoraceae) are used in traditional medicine. The twigs and leaves are used for oral health, but leaves are far less investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the oral health-promoting potential of S. persica leaves with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects and provides an in depth-characterization of their metabolite profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hot-water and methanolic S. persica leaf extracts (1, 10, and 100 µg/mL) and their major constituents (5, 10, and 50 µM), were subjected to cellular assays on IL-8 and TNFα release in LPS-stimulated human neutrophils, NO-release in LPS/IFNγ stimulated mouse macrophages, and proliferation of HNO97 human tongue carcinoma cells. Metabolite profiling was performed by UHPLC-HRMS analysis. Major constituents were isolated and structurally elucidated. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Both extracts showed pronounced anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated neutrophils. Major identified compound classes were flavonoid glycosides, the glucosinolate glucotropaeolin, phenyl- and benzylglycoside sulfates, and megastigmane glycosylsulfates, the latter ones identified for the first time in S. persica. Glucotropaeolin strongly inhibited the release of IL-8 and TNF-α (13.3 ± 2.0 and 22.7 ± 2.6% of the release of stimulated control cells at 50 µM), while some flavonoids and 3-(3'-O-sulfo-ß-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-7,8-dihydro-ß-ionone, a newly isolated megastigmane glycosylsulfate, were moderately active. Benzylisothiocyanate, which is likely formed from glucotropaeolin during traditional application of S. persica, showed considerable antiproliferative activity (IC50 in HNO97 cells: 10.19 ± 0.72 µM) besides strongly inhibiting IL-8 and TNFα release. CONCLUSIONS: Glucotropaeolin and benzylisothiocyanate are likely implicated in the oral health-promoting effects of S. persica leaves. The chemistry and pharmacology of the newly identified megastigmane glycosylsulfates should be further evaluated.

Pilot, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating 4 oral hygiene regimens using a manual toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

In this prospective pilot study, 84 patients with a history of poor oral hygiene were enrolled in an open-label, interventional, randomized controlled clinical trial. The aim was to provide preliminary clinical data on a new line of oral hygiene products containing a prebiotic and a paraprobiotic based on Lactobacillus plantarum. The recruitment rate and patient satisfaction were analyzed to estimate resources for the future primary study, and descriptive data on rebalancing of the oral microbiota were collected. The population was divided into 5 groups based on the products assigned to the patients: 1, delicate mint toothpaste (n = 20); 2, mint toothpaste (n = 12); 3, mint mouthwash (n = 20); 4, delicate mint toothpaste, mint mouthwash, and an antimicrobial toothbrush (n = 20); and 5, continued use of their usual oral care products and routine (control group; n = 12). The study duration was 28 days. All patients tolerated the products well, and there were no adverse events. The recruitment capability and procedures allowed for a realistic estimation for the future main trial. The products did not cause any changes in tooth color. The participants in group 4, who completed the treatment consisting of delicate mint toothpaste, mint mouthwash, and an antimicrobial toothbrush, reported the greatest reduction in gingival sensitivity (P ≤ 0.000; Wilcoxon signed rank test). Analysis with the Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed that all products induced a statistically significant decrease in plaque (P ≤ 0.002) and a reduction in gingival sensitivity (delicate mint toothpaste, P ≤ 0.005; mint toothpaste, P ≤ 0.015; and mint mouthwash, P ≤ 0.015). All products were effective in stabilizing the oral microbiota. The tested products showed an optimal safety profile and a statistically significant efficacy in reducing gingival sensitivity and plaque. They also stabilized the biodiversity of the oral microbiota, making it less susceptible to microbial fluctuations than the control group. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05999175).

Evaluation of the extent of plaque removal and users' experience of alternative toothbrushes: A randomized single-blind crossover study.

INTRODUCTION: In residential care, tooth brushing with a manual toothbrush can be challenging because of technical difficulties, time consumption and poor patient cooperation, resulting in a sub-optimal cleaning. The study aimed at comparing the efficiency in plaque removal, brushing time and users' experience between three toothbrushes: a single-headed conventional manual toothbrush, a triple-headed manual toothbrush and a U-shaped electric toothbrush. METHODS: This was a single-blind crossover study with three pre-post-test conditions. Participants were 26 dental students divided into fixed pairs to play the role of caregivers and care receivers. Pre/post plaque scores were determined by two independent investigators according to the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (QHI). Questionnaires evaluated participants' experiences. Statistical tests of significances of differences and ANOVA were performed. RESULTS: Results showed that plaque removal was more effective for the manual toothbrush and the triple-headed toothbrush compared to the U-shaped electric toothbrush (p < 0.001). Brushing time was the longest for the single manual toothbrush (149 s). The U-shaped electric toothbrush showed significantly better results for aspects related to comfort and salivation. The manual and triple-headed toothbrush showed better results for aspects related to cleanliness and motivation to use. CONCLUSION: Notwithstanding its favourable comfort, tooth plaque removal is not enhanced by a U-shaped electric toothbrush. The triple-headed and single-headed toothbrushes reduced plaque more substantially than the U-shaped toothbrush. In addition, the triple-headed manual toothbrush was not only effective in plaque removal, but also had a shorter brushing time and was easy to use, being an adequate alternative for care-dependent patient groups.

The evaluation of the effectiveness of conventional and pulsating toothbrushes on the oral health of healthy and mentally disabled pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: Children, especially the mentally disabled, are generally incapable of obtaining adequate oral hygiene levels by manual brushing due to their lack of knowledge about oral hygiene and their limited motor skills. In order to handle those limited skills, different designs of manual and electric toothbrushes are developed and put on markets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsating toothbrushes with easy-to-use properties, against conventional toothbrushes and to analyze their benefits on mentally disabled pediatric patients. METHODS: Thirty-one healthy and 31 mentally disabled children (aged between 7 and 12) participated in this study. The effectiveness of three different toothbrushes (Oral-B Pulsar, Colgate 360° Micro Sonic Power, Oral-B Stages 3) was investigated with a cross-over study design. DMFT, dft, modified sulcus bleeding index (MOD-SBI), approximal plaque index (API) and Green and Vermillion simplified oral hygiene index (G&V OHI-S) measurements are performed to evaluate the oral hygiene status. RESULTS: In the mentally disabled group the manual toothbrush for MOD-SBI, and Colgate 360° Micro Sonic Power for API showed the best results respectively. CONCLUSION: The ability of tooth brushing was improved both in healthy and in disabled children during this 5 months study. Unfortunately, it was not obvious in disabled children. Persevering training for tooth brushing might be the most important regardless of the kind of toothbrush.

Modeling the cost-effectiveness of school-based supervised toothbrushing program in reducing the dental caries burden in India.

BACKGROUND: Supervised toothbrushing (STB) significantly reduces the incidence and progression of dental caries. School years present a favorable age for introducing such healthy habits for a lifetime. AIM: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of implementing a STB program in India in preventing dental caries incidence. DESIGN: An operational framework of a national STB program was devised. A mathematical model was then developed to evaluate this program's clinical effectiveness and economic impact in the Indian scenario. This study considered a hypothetical cohort of the Indian population aged from 6 to 75 years. Two groups were compared: no intervention and STB in government schools. The health outcomes assessed were a number of tooth caries incidences averted and quality-adjusted life years gained. RESULTS: The STB program in the government schools of India would prevent at least one tooth from developing caries in an individual's lifetime. Considering the current treatment-seeking behavior, the STB program saves INR 153 (US$ 1.95) per carious tooth incidence averted and INR 22 202 (US$ 283) per QALY gained. CONCLUSION: In India, the school-based STB program is expected to be a cost-effective strategy for reducing the dental caries burden and its associated treatment costs.

Exploring Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices Regarding Periodontal Health Assessment and Mechanical Plaque Control Among the Shillong Population of Meghalaya, India: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Investigation.

Background Periodontal diseases are widespread oral health conditions. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the knowledge, awareness, and practices related to periodontal health assessment and mechanical plaque control among specific populations, such as those residing in Shillong, Meghalaya. Shillong, being the capital city of Meghalaya in northeastern India, represents a diverse demographic and cultural landscape. Aim This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and practices related to mechanical plaque control among the population of Shillong City. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the residents of Shillong City, Meghalaya. Data collection involved the administration of an 18-item, closed-ended, self-structured questionnaire. Before the main data collection, a pilot study was conducted involving 63 individuals. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), employing the chi-square test and ANOVA with a significance level of 0.05. Results Study participants were categorized into five age groups spanning from 21 to 64 years old, with the age group of 41 to 50 years demonstrating the highest mean knowledge score. Age exhibited a statistically significant influence on knowledge scores. Conclusion The study reveals a commendable level of knowledge, awareness, and adherence to practices regarding the primary tool for oral hygiene maintenance, the toothbrush, among the residents of Shillong City.

The Effect of Different Electric Toothbrush Technologies on Interdental Plaque Removal: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis.

The removal of dental plaque from the gingival margins of the teeth is essential to maintaining periodontal health. Whilst it has been established that electric toothbrushes demonstrate a greater ability to remove plaque, no systematic review has specifically investigated which technology is better for removing plaque from the interdental tooth surfaces, where plaque control may be more difficult. Three databases were searched until October 2023: MEDLINE and DOSSS via EBSCOhost and Embase. Data extraction was carried out on studies which met the inclusion criteria, and a risk of bias assessment was completed. The study findings were combined via a narrative synthesis and a meta-analysis where appropriate. A total of 77 studies were found, out of which 14 were selected and included in the analysis. The mean difference in interproximal plaque reduction, measured using the Rustogi Modified Naval Plaque Index (RMNPI) at 8 weeks, was 0.09 (p < 0.00001) in favor of the oscillating-rotating toothbrush. At 6 and 12 weeks, the mean difference in plaque reduction (RMNPI) was 0.05 (p = 0.0008) and 0.04 (p = 0.0001) in favor of the oscillating-rotating toothbrush, respectively. The studies show a tendency for oscillating-rotating toothbrushes to remove more interproximal plaque than oscillating toothbrushes, especially in a short time (8 weeks).

Enamel Remineralisation with a Novel Sodium Fluoride-Infused Bristle Toothbrush.

This study aims to investigate whether toothbrushes with fluoride-infused bristles have any (re)mineralisation effects on bovine enamel. Bovine incisors (N = 160) were extracted, and the buccal side of the crown was cut into dimensions of ~5 mm × 5 mm with a low-speed saw. These specimens were randomly allocated into four groups: half (80 teeth) were stored in demineralising solution (DM), and the other half were stored in deionised water (DW) for 96 h. Then, they were brushed with a force of 2.0 ± 0.1 N for five min with a manual toothbrush with either fluoride-infused (TF) or regular (TR) bristles. Microhardness (Vickers), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the surfaces of the bovine enamel specimens before and after brushing. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the hardness data, and the pairwise comparison method was used to analyse the Ca/P ratio, for each group at α = 0.05. The results show that brushing with either of these toothbrushes increased the Vickers microhardness on DM and DW enamel (p < 0.001), whereas hydroxyapatite was revealed in all groups by XRD. The DM samples showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the Ca/P ratios after brushing with TR and TF. Conversely, under DW conditions, these ratios decreased significantly after brushing. In terms of the F atomic%, TF increased significantly. SEM revealed mineral deposition in the DM groups after toothbrushing. To conclude, toothbrushing effectively induces the microhardness of sound and demineralised enamel, while fluoride-infused bristles might be able to retain fluoride on the enamel surface.