Tooth cleaning devices, calculus, gingival recession and tooth sensitivity in adult population, Mtwara-Rural, Tanzania

Abstract

Aim To determine the type of tooth cleaning devices, presence of calculus, occurrence of gingival recessions and tooth sensitivity. Study Participants and Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among adults in Mtwara-Rural district. Randomly selected 201 participants aged 40 years or more, 113 males and 88 females were interviewed on commonly used tooth cleaning devices and tooth sensitivity using a structured questionnaire. Clinical examination was done to assess gingival recessions (> 3.5 mm) and calculus using the Community Periodontal Index Probe and a mouth mirror. Results Tooth cleaning devices included plastic toothbrush (51.7%), chewing stick (25.9%), both chewing stick and plastic toothbrush (17.4%), and other unspecified devices (5.0%). Prevalence of calculus was 99.5%, gingival recession > 3.5mm was 86.1% and TS was 50.2%. There was no significant difference between males and females for the occurrence of gingival recessions, tooth sensitivity and the type of tooth cleaning devices used. The mean number of sextants having teeth with gingival recessions and tooth sensitivity did not differ among different types of tooth cleaning devices used (P > 0.05). The study participants that had no gingival recessions had slightly higher mean number of sextants with calculus (5.79 ± 0.57) than those with gingival recessions (5.50 ± 1.17), (P = 0.04, 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.57), but the finding was considered to be of no clinical significance. Conclusion Participants of this study mainly used plastic toothbrush and chewing stick as tooth cleaning devices and the prevalence of calculus and gingival recession were very high with substantial reported tooth sensitivity. The relationship between tooth cleaning devices or calculus accumulation and gingival recessions could not be elucidated. Keywords: Plastic toothbrush; chewing stick; dental calculus; gingival recessions; tooth sensitivity. Tanzania Dental Journal Vol. 13(2) November 2006: 43-49