Effects of Toothbrushing Maneuver on Gingival Health Status

Abstract

Introduction: Toothbrush is regarded as a principal tool for controlling dental plaque. It is the most widely used device for keeping good oral hygiene. Meticulous oral hygiene performance through proper plaque removal can be achieved via using an appropriate toothbrush and toothbrushing method accomplished by interdental aids of cleaning, which primarily reduces periodontal diseases and dental caries. Aim and objective: To determine the efficiency of toothbrushing maneuver on gingival health status among patients attended Periodontal Department Clinics at School of Dentistry/ University of Sulaimani during the academic year 2014-2015. Materials and methods: Three hundred and forty two patients attended dental clinics of University of Sulaimani for purposes of dental scaling and polishing and other periodontal problems. Complete medical questionnaire was filled for every patient that included patient general information such as name age, sex and address. Patients were questioned about the type of the toothbrush that they use, duration, frequency and toothbrushing technique. Periodontal examination was performed on Ramfjord teeth, the six teeth of Ramfjord were examined for the presence and absence of dental plaque and bleeding upon probing. Michigan dental probe was used in this study. Results: Among three hundred and forty two patients, 189 male and 153 female. The age group (20-40) comprised the higher percentage (70%) among all age groups. 324 patients brushed their teeth and only18 did not. 57.7% of the total patients used soft, 32.%1 used medium and 10.2% used hard type of toothbrushes. 44.7% of the patients brushed their teeth once a day, 44.7% twice a day, 4.6% three times a day, and 6% four times a day. 24.1% of the patients took one minute of duration for toothbrushing, 36.7% took 2 minutes, 20.9% took 3 minutes, and 18.3% more than three minutes. 22.5% of the patients used vertical technique of toothbrushing, 34.8% used horizontal scrubbing, 5.2% used roll technique, and 36.6% used combined vertical and horizontal scrubbing. The percentages of surface plaque accumulation groups were: (0-0.25, 3.2% - 0.25-0.50, 14.3% 0.50-0.75, 25.7% and 0.75-1, 56.8%) and the percentages of bleeding surface groups (0-0.25, 20.3% - 0.250.50, 28.7% - 0.50-0.75, 24.7% and 0.75-1, 26.3%). Conclusions: The study showed that most of the patients brush their teeth, and the majority are using soft type of toothbrushes and consume about two minutes of toothbrushing duration. Furthermore, most of the patients were using combined vertical and horizontal technique among other brushing techniques.