Search Results (3)

Objectives: This review aimed to compare the effectiveness of using a dental water jet (WJ) to manual tooth brushing (MTB) alone or when combined with flossing (MTB + F) in improving plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), and gingival index (GI) in regular and orthodontic patients. Materials and Method: This review was registered with the PROSPERO registry (CRD42022296752). Three reviewers conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published between 1990 and July 2022. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials, excluding those involving peri-implantitis, patients with impaired manual dexterity, or powered brushes. The outcomes of interest (PI, BI, and GI) were measured across short-, intermediate-, and long-term periods. Results: Eighteen RCTs were included in this review. PI: in regular patients, use of a WJ showed no additional improvement over flossing, and the results were inconsistent when compared to MTB alone. For orthodontic patients, use of a WJ provided a slight improvement over flossing in the short term and MTB alone in the intermediate term. BI: use of a WJ demonstrated a slight improvement over flossing and MTB alone in both patient groups at different time points. GI: use of a WJ was comparable to flossing but showed slight benefits over MTB alone in the short term for regular patients and in the intermediate term for orthodontic patients. Conclusions: use of a WJ may provide slight benefits in BI and GI compared to flossing or MTB alone, especially for orthodontic patients. Clinical relevance: incorporating a WJ into the daily oral hygiene routine is recommended due to its potential benefits over brushing alone and its user-friendly alternative to flossing. Full article

Objectives: Cleaning splints (CSs) can facilitate interdental brush (IDB) insertion and guide IDBs during cleaning movement. Cleaning efficacy with and without CSs was to be assessed and compared for a fully dentate (FD) and a partially edentulous (PE) situation. Methods: For two maxillary typodont models simulating either an FD situation or a PE situation with every second tooth missing, suitable IDBs were selected and each cleaning splint was designed and fabricated by 3D-printing. Before and after standardized cleaning, model teeth were photographed at three timepoints: (T1) clean surface, (T2) surface coated with artificial plaque, and (T3) after IDB cleaning. For each of the four test groups differing in dental status (FD, PE) and CS use (without, with), n = 10 tests/group were completed. After aligning corresponding photographs, pixel-based color difference ratios (T2-T3)/(T2-T1) were calculated. Approximal cleaning efficacy was set as the mean value over predefined regions of interest. Effects of CS use and dental status were analyzed with two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results: CS use significantly improved mean approximal cleaning efficacy for the PE model (p = 0.001), whereas no difference was found with the FD model (p = 0.381). Improved cleaning efficacy with the PE model was only found in combination with a CS (factor combination model × CS use: p = 0.003). Conclusions: Cleaning splints might have the potential to improve interproximal hygiene and can be recommended for clinical use. Clinical studies should validate the results of this in vitro study and clarify if CSs could be beneficial for patients with restricted manual skills. Full article

Background: Without mechanical cleaning, gingivitis can develop within three weeks. The first clinical sign is bleeding on positive probing. The accumulation of dental biofilm triggers an inflammatory gingival response. In the past decade, attention has focused mainly on interproximal areas and the use of customized interproximal toothbrushes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of individualized oral hygiene education and its role in dental disease prevention among patients with dental problems. Methods: Altogether, 102 patients, 38 males and 64 females, were included in the study. All patients were aged over 18 years. Before treatment, patients were clinically and radiologically examined, their full mouth plaque score (FMPS), full mouth bleeding score (FMBS), and bleeding on brushing (BOB) were recorded, and matrix-metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) was measured by using a chair-side MMP-8 measuring system. Patients in group A had gingivitis but no periodontal damage, and group B had periodontal damage. Patients in both groups were divided into four subgroups based on their toothbrushing habits and the oral health education they received. Three months after the initial examination, each patient was examined three more times (2, 4, and 12 weeks later). Results: It was concluded that subjects in groups A1 and B1 showed a significant reduction in BOB, MMP-8, FMBS, and FMPS levels after two weeks. Solo Prophylaxis (A1 and B1) remained a well-constructed protocol and caused the complete resolution of interdental inflammation after two weeks. Other subgroups achieved significant reductions only after 12 weeks. Conclusions: BOB and MMP-8 tests are valuable complements in preventive dentistry, and are able to detect potential pathological processes. The clinical relevance of BOB testing, in addition to FMBS, FMPS and gingival inflammation testing, can be demonstrated to patients, which may increase compliance. Full article