Brushing Method Research Articles

Oral health conditions and hygiene procedures in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review

Background: Parkinson’s, a degenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, gradually leads to disability and affects ordinary gestures, including patients’ home oral hygiene. Given that poor oral conditions, with decayed teeth, halitosis, and periodontal inflammation, can represent a critical issue in patients with low compliance in oral hygiene, the aim of this review was to investigate overall oral health in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: A search on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant publications: studies concerning patients with PD, their oral health conditions, and oral hygiene, also in terms of inflammation and plaque control, were included. Risk of bias analysis and qualitative analysis were performed. Results: Of 226 records found through the electronic search, a total of 16 studies were finally included in the systematic review. Outcomes without consistent differences between PD patients and healthy patients (control group) mainly regarded: the frequency of brushing (at least twice a day), the brushing methods (generally variable) and the frequency of dental visits (mostly regular for both groups). In patients with PD, use of interdental devices was lower, and presence of plaque was higher: due to self-reported difficulties, 15–29% of them need help for oral care, against the 1% in the healthy group. Furthermore, the longer duration and higher severity of PD seem to adversely affect overall oral health conditions. Discussion: Since poor oral conditions of patients with PD are associated with their disability in conducting proper home procedures, it is necessary for dental practitioners to focus on specific and personalized instructions, to be easily delivered to caregivers.

Preparation and artificial weathering properties of Ce/TiO2/BTA-HALS coating on heat-treated wood surface

Heat-treated wood has only short-term weathering resistance, while wood cracking, discoloring and other problems will appear in long-term outdoor environments. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the anti-weathering properties of heat-treated wood. In this study, organic ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers and inorganic Cerium/Titanium dioxide (Ce/TiO2) ultraviolet shielding agents were compounded by the simple physical blending method, and the modifiers were loaded on the surface of heat-treated wood by brushing method. The UV-Vis spectrum showed the high transparency and UV shielding of the composite coating. After artificial weathering, the color difference (ΔE) of Ce/TiO2/BTA-HALS coated sample was only 1.64 and 2.68, which is significantly lower than 2.3 and 6.1 of the heat-treated sample. The surface roughness, scanning electron microscope and X-ray energy spectrum also showed that the stability of the coating was significantly improved, and the loss of inorganic particles has decreased. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance proved that the modifier was successfully grafted on the surface of heat-treated wood. The composite coating has a certain synergistic effect in improving the weathering resistance of heat-treated wood and improves the film-forming property of the modifier and the stability of the coating during weathering.

Tailoring the microstructure and mechanical properties of wire arc additively manufactured Ti6Al4V alloy by in-situ microalloying with modified nanocarbon

Carbon alloying is a validated strategy for enhancing the mechanical properties of titanium alloys prepared by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). However, achieving uniform carbon distribution, particularly nanocarbon, in the melt pool via the brushing method is challenging, which limits the improvement of mechanical properties. In this paper, nanocarbon was modified by nitric acid hydrothermal treatment and added into the Ti64 melt pool during the WAAM. The distribution of modified nanocarbon in the melt pool was characterized, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the nanocarbon-alloyed titanium alloy deposits were studied. The findings revealed that the surface of modified nanocarbon generated oxygen-containing functional groups, which enhanced its dispersion in the melt pool. The addition of 0.1–0.3 wt% modified nanocarbon induced no pores in the deposits compared to unmodified ones. The tensile strength of the deposited alloys was continually enhanced with increasing modified nanocarbon content, while the elongation had a peak value. The Ti64 with 0.1 wt% nanocarbon exhibited a balanced comprehensive performance with an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 981 MPa coupled with an elongation of 8 %. The achievement of the balanced mechanical performances was attributed to the refinement of α-Ti and solid solution strengthening of nanocarbon. When 0.3 wt% nanocarbon was added, the UTS increased to 1012 MPa but the elongation sharply decreased to 4.5 % due to the precipitation of TiC.

Effect of Proper Tooth Brushing Technique on Dental Plaque Among School Going Children

Background: Health education is crucial for fostering good oral health and using dental care to build cleaning habits is the most effective way to achieve good oral health. This study aimed to compare the reduction in dental plaque score among lecture and pamphlet groups via bass tooth brushing demonstration among school-going children of Karachi. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with sixth-grade students aged 11 to 13 from three government schools, selected through convenience sampling, and students were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A (Lecture), Group B (Pamphlet), and Group C (Control). The sample size was 168 (56 per group). Data collection involved structured proformas and oral health examinations. Groups A and B learned the Bass brushing method based upon criteria of the American Dental Association, while Group C maintained routine practices. Plaque scores were assessed at baseline, one month, and three months, with analysis using SPSS and Chi-square tests for significance. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of participants was 12.161±0.493 years. Group A and B had good plaque scores (0.1-0.9mm) at T0, T1 and T2 among 51.8%, 85.7% and 69.6% of the students respectively for group A, while 73.2%, 82.1% and 69.6% of the students respectively for group B. A significant difference found for plaque score between the control and intervention groups (p<0.001 each). Conclusion: Proper brushing technique resulted in the reduction of plaque score among the lecture group followed by the Pamphlet group, but no reduction was reported for control group.

PTFE-based hydrophobic layers influence bioelectrical performance of sediment microbial fuel cells with floating air-cathode

Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFC) provide scalable power generation, but their low performance is primarily due to poor oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at cathode. The study aims to improve ORR efficiency by constructing triple-phase interphase (TPI) with multiple hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layers on floating air-cathode. Multiple PTFE layers of 0 (HL0), 1 (HL1), 2 (HL2), 3 (HL3), 4 (HL4), 5 (HL5) and 6 (HL6) are coated on single-sided cathode by brushing method. HL3 generates the highest output current of 204 mA, which is three times higher than control case (HL0). The polarization test shows that HL3 achieves the highest maximum power of 48.88 mW/m2, which corresponds to a 6.8-fold increase compared to HL0 (7.06 mW/m2). HL4 performance improves over time but requires long start-up time before increase in bioelectricity production was achieved. Hydrophobic PTFE layer increases the maximum power density of floating air-cathode, mitigates cathodic limitations and improves SMFC performance.

Protective Coatings Based on the Organosilicon Derivatives of Fatty Acids Obtained by the Thiol-Ene Click Reaction.

This article describes the synthesis of a hydrophobic protective coating for concrete based on a silane derivative of fatty acids. The coating was obtained through a thiol-ene click addition reaction using methyl oleate and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane in the presence of the photoinitiator 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA). This reaction proved to be more efficient compared with other tested (photo)initiators, considering the double bond conversion of oleate. The coating was applied to concrete using two methods: immersion and brushing. Both methods exhibited similar consumption of methyl oleate-based silane (UVMeS) at approximately 20 g/m2. The hydrophobic properties of the coatings were evaluated based on the contact angle, which for the modified surfaces was above 93°, indicating their hydrophobic nature. The penetration depth of the silane solution into the concrete was also studied; it was 5-7 mm for the immersion method and 3-5 mm for the brushing method. The addition of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) to the silane solution slightly improved the barrier properties of the coating.

Kinetics of fluoride after brushing with the no-rinse method

BackgroundFluoride plays a vital role in preventing dental caries, with its addition to oral care products significantly promoting oral hygiene. A no-rinse brushing method aims to increase fluoride retention in the oral cavity, as rinsing with water decreases fluoride levels in saliva, which could affect remineralization. While the no-rinse brushing method holds promise for improving fluoride retention in the oral cavity, critical inquiries persist regarding its safety. This study investigated the kinetics of oral fluoride and potential risks to fully assess its effectiveness and implications for oral health.MethodsTen healthy adults participated in a crossover study comparing the no-rinse with the rinse method. All subjects followed American Dental Association (ADA) brushing guidelines. Levels of fluoride in saliva (supernatant and sediment) and urine were measured over time, and plasma fluoride was measured one hour after brushing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were also calculated from the data.ResultsParticipants using the no-rinse method had higher fluoride levels in supernatant immediately and up to 30 min post-brushing compared to the rinse method. Fluoride levels in sediment were higher only immediately after brushing. The total fluoride concentration in saliva remained elevated for up to 5 min with the no-rinse method. Systemic fluoride absorption showed no significant difference between the two methods based on blood and urine analysis.ConclusionThis research indicates that the no-rinse method can enhance fluoride retention in the oral cavity for up to 30 min after a single brushing. In addition, our findings suggest that this method does not significantly influence systemic fluoride levels or toxicity.RegistryThai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR (http://thaiclinicaltrials.org). Clinical trial registration number: TCTR20231104001 (4/11/2023).

Comparison between manual vs electric powered toothbrush by using the PCR index in paediatric dentistry.

This present study has two primary objectives: firstly, to compare the effectiveness of an electric toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush in biofilm removal; secondarily, to assess the effectiveness of individualised instructions provided by the operator. Fifty-five paediatric patients were enrolled in the study. Data collection involved three main steps: 1) Pre-brushing PCR index collection; 2) Post-brushing PCR index collection; 3) Post-brushing PCR index collection after providing individual instructions. The tooth surfaces were colored with a liquid plaque detector. To assess whether there was a statistically significant difference in plaque values before and after brushing, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted. The Wilcoxon test with continuity correction was performed to compare the two brushing methods. It is possible to confirm a correlation between instructions provided by the operator and lower plaque index. As regards the comparison between manual and electric toothbrush, in our study one tool did not emerge as more effective than the other.

Development of a patient-specific model of the human coronary system for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon catheter training and testing

BackgroundTo treat stenosed coronary arteries, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) balloon catheters must combine pushability, trackability, crossability, and rewrap behavior. The existing anatomic track model (ASTM F2394) for catheter testing lacks 3D morphology, vessel tortuosity, and compliance, making evaluating performance characteristics difficult. This study aimed to develop a three-dimensional patient-specific phantom (3DPSP) for device testing and safe training for interventional cardiologists.MethodsA range of silicone materials with different shore hardnesses (00–30–45 A) and wall thicknesses (0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm) were tested to determine compliance for creating coronary vessel phantoms. Compliance was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and compared to values in the literature. Stenosis was induced using multilayer casting and brushing methods, with gypsum added for calcification. The radial tensile properties of the samples were investigated, and the relationship between Young’s modulus and compliance was determined. Various methods have been introduced to approximate the friction between silicone and real coronary vessel walls. Computerized tomography (CT) scans were used to obtain patient-specific anatomy from the femoral artery to the coronary arteries. Artery lumens were segmented from the CT scans to create dissolvable 3D-printed core models.ResultsA 15A shore hardness silicone yielded an experimental compliance of 12.3–22.4 mm2mmHg·103\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\frac{m{m}^{2}}{mmHg}\\cdot {10}^{3}$$\\end{document} for stenosed tubes and 14.7–57.9 mm2mmHg·103\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\frac{m{m}^{2}}{mmHg}\\cdot {10}^{3}$$\\end{document} for uniform tubes, aligning closely with the literature data (6.28–40.88 mm2mmHg·103\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\frac{m{m}^{2}}{mmHg}\\cdot {10}^{3}$$\\end{document}). The Young’s modulus ranged from 43.2 to 75.5 kPa and 56.6–67.9 kPa for the uniform and calcified materials, respectively. The dependency of the compliance on the wall thickness, Young’s modulus, and inner diameter could be shown. Introducing a lubricant reduced the silicone friction coefficient from 0.52 to 0.13. The 3DPSP was successfully fabricated, and comparative analyses were conducted among eight commercially available catheters.ConclusionThis study presents a novel method for crafting 3DPSPs with realistic mechanical and frictional properties. The proposed approach enables the creation of comprehensive and anatomically precise setups spanning the right femoral artery to the coronary arteries, highlighting the importance of such realistic environments for advancing medical device development and fostering safe training conditions.

The Relationship Between Tooth Brushing Methods and Gum Bleeding Among the Elderly at Posyandu Lansia in Surabaya

The elderly experience a decline in immune function, making them susceptible to dental and oral diseases, one of which is gum bleeding. Improper tooth brushing techniques can cause gum bleeding because brushing in the wrong direction can make the gums bleed easily and leave food residues uncleaned. Problem: The high percentage of gum bleeding during tooth brushing in the elderly at the Posyandu Lansia Kampung Mustika Baru Ngagel Surabaya in 2024. On average, the elderly have poor tooth brushing techniques. Objective: To analyze the relationship between tooth brushing methods and gum bleeding in the elderly at the Posyandu Lansia Kampung Mustika Baru Ngagel Surabaya in 2024. Research Method: This research is an analytical cross-sectional study. Sampling was done using purposive sampling with a sample of 36 elderly individuals. The data collection instruments used were observation sheets to measure tooth brushing methods and examination sheets to identify gum bleeding. The analysis technique used was the Chi-square test. Research Results: On average, the elderly's tooth brushing methods, after observation, were categorized as poor. There is a significant relationship between tooth brushing methods and gum bleeding in the elderly at the Posyandu Lansia Kampung Mustika Baru Ngagel Surabaya, with an asymp.sig (α) value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The better the elderly brush their teeth, the less likely they are to experience gum bleeding, thereby reducing the risk of gum bleeding

Mechanical properties, thermophysical properties, and long-term ablation behaviours of C/C–ZrC– ZrB2– W–Cu composites

Spacecraft thermal protection materials need to survive long-term exposure to oxygen-containing environments at 2400 °C. In this study, a high-density and low-porosity metal-ceramic-modified composite was prepared at a low temperature (1500 °C) in the presence of W and Cu using combined slurry brushing and reactive melt infiltration methods. An investigation of the composite formation mechanism and the effects of W and Cu indicated that W and ZrB2 were formed via dissolution-precipitation and the external diffusion of C and B, respectively. The low reaction temperature and the metallic phases significantly improved the mechanical properties, thermophysical properties, and long-term ablation behaviours of C/C–ZrC–ZrB2–W–Cu. Compared to traditional C/C–ZrC, the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composite increased by 71.56 % and 90.05 % to 345.95 MPa and 14.52 MPa m1/2, respectively, and the thermal conductivity increased by 174.93 % to 59.11 W/m·K. In addition, W and Cu effectively lowered the surface temperature by nearly 250 °C during 300 s ablation, and the mass and line ablation rates decreased to −0.272 mg/s and −0.247 μm/s, respectively.

Achieve a Brighter Smile: Essential Brushing Techniques

Brushing is the process used to remove plaque and debris by an individual. It is the duty of a dentist to teach and aid the patient about proper brushing techniques that is suitable for that individual and also the patient should be aware about each brushing techniques and how to do each technique. Nowadays patients are more concerned about their oral health so having a good knowledge about each brushing techniques will make use of it. This article aims to evaluate the different brushing techniques such as The Bass method, Modified Bass method, Modified Stillman’s technique, Fones method, Vertical method, Charter’s method, Scrub brush method, Roll technique, Physiologic-smith method It also includes objectives of tooth brushing, types and parts of tooth brush, time and frequency of brushing, ill effects of improper brushing, maintenance and replacement of toothbrush [1].

Substrate Neutrality for Obtaining Block Copolymer Vertical Orientation.

Nanopatterning methods utilizing block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly are attractive for semiconductor fabrication due to their molecular precision and high resolution. Grafted polymer brushes play a crucial role in providing a neutral surface conducive for the orientational control of BCPs. These brushes create a non-preferential substrate, allowing wetting of the distinct chemistries from each block of the BCP. This vertically aligns the BCP self-assembled lattice to create patterns that are useful for semiconductor nanofabrication. In this review, we aim to explore various methods used to tune the substrate and BCP interface toward a neutral template. This review takes a historical perspective on the polymer brush methods developed to achieve substrate neutrality. We divide the approaches into copolymer and blended homopolymer methods. Early attempts to obtain neutral substrates utilized end-grafted random copolymers that consisted of monomers from each block. This evolved into side-group-grafted chains, cross-linked mats, and block cooligomer brushes. Amidst the augmentation of the chain architecture, homopolymer blends were developed as a facile method where polymer chains with each chemistry were mixed and grafted onto the substrate. This was largely believed to be challenging due to the macrophase separation of the chemically incompatible chains. However, innovative methods such as sequential grafting and BCP compatibilizers were utilized to circumvent this problem. The advantages and challenges of each method are discussed in the context of neutrality and feasibility.

Different coating application methods: Zein-based edible coating containing Heracleum persicum essential oil for shelf-life enhancement of whey-less cheese.

In this research, the efficiency of brushing (Br), dipping (Di), spraying (S), and enrobing (En) methods was compared in three concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20% of corn zein (Z) edible coating containing 0.5% of Heracleum persicum essential oil (HEO) in the shelf-life improvement of whey-less cheese during 56 days of cold storage. The results of the photography and colorimetric (L*, a*, and b* parameters) of the samples showed that the En method in 20% of Z created a uniform, brilliant, and attractive surface on the cheese pieces compared to the other groups during the storage period, and the S, Br, and Di methods were in the next categories, respectively. The findings of the texture analysis of the samples showed that all of the treatments significantly (p ≤ .05) preserved the hardness of the cheese samples compared to the control group, and the En method containing Z 20% and HEO was the most effective treatment in preventing the hardness loss of the samples during the 56-day storage period. In all treatments, the growth of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, enterobacteriaceae, molds, and yeasts was significantly (p ≤ .05) reduced in comparison with the control sample, and the En method containing HEO and Z 20% was the most efficient in preventing the microbial growth. The rate of moisture loss, fat oxidation, and pH values of the studied samples significantly (p ≤ .05) decreased in the coated treatments containing a higher concentration of Z and HEO compared with other treatments during the storage period. According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the En technique containing Z20% and HEO0.5% was the most effective treatment in the shelf-life improvement of whey-less cheese during 56 days of the refrigerated storage period, and the S, Br, and Di methods were in the next ranks, respectively.

Construction of magnetic and photothermal wood membrane with asymmetric wettabilities and wind drift resistance for solar-driven seawater desalination and purification

To generate clean freshwater controllably and efficiently, Fe3O4/CNT nanomaterials and hydrophobic PVDF were introduced to delignified wood with man-made-cutting structure (D-Wood) in simple brushing method for constructing the magnetic and photothermal wood evaporator with asymmetric wettabilities and wind drift resistance. Such method could endow wood with various shapes design, outstanding magnetically sensitivity, remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency (129.08 %), high evaporation rate (1.92 kg·m−2·h−1), good dye degradability (97.23 %), and excellent wind resistance (6.6 m/s). The superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic bottom of Fe3O4/CNT/PVDF@D-Wood evaporator accelerated the bulk seawater transport during its evaporation procedure, but prevented the oil pollutants blocking the microchannels of evaporator during the long periods of flotation at sea. Meantime, its hydrophobic top could effectively reduce the downward diffusion of heat, and improve the salt tolerance. After 10 cycles of acid-base, ultrasound treatments and evaporating experiments, Fe3O4/CNT/PVDF@D-Wood evaporator still exhibited excellent evaporation rate and conversion efficiency, displaying remarkable repeatability and long-term durability. In weak magnetic field (3 V), its furthest response displacement and time were 5 cm and 41 s, respectively. After prolonged evaporation procedure, the magnetic responsivity of Fe3O4/CNT/PVDF@D-Wood evaporator could be in almost constant level, which offers a promising biomass product for seawater desalination and polluted-water purification.

Brushing Methods for Patients Unable to Use a Mouthwash: A Preliminary Study of the Effects of Moisturizing Gel and Povidone-Iodine in Healthy Volunteers.

Brushing older adults or intubated patients who are unable to rinse can transmit bacteria from dental plaque into the oral cavity and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, this study examined brushing methods to prevent the spread of bacteria in the oral cavity. Methods:Three types of brushing methods were performed on five volunteers by dental hygienists (water group: brushing with toothbrush bristles soaked in water; gel group: brushing with a moisturizing gel placed on the toothbrush; PV-I group: brushing with toothbrush bristles dipped in povidone-iodine). Neither group spat out the saliva or gargled during brushing but brushed while wiping the water/gel/PV-I solution with a sponge brush. The same five volunteers served as subjects for the three methods. Saliva was collected before and after brushing, and the number of colonies was determined using bacterial culture. Results:The water group demonstrated a significantly increased number of bacteria in the saliva owing to the spread of bacteria from the dental plaque. The gel group prevented the spread of the bacteria. The PV-I group showed a significant decrease in the number of bacteria in the saliva after brushing. Brushing with toothbrush bristles dipped in a povidone-iodine solution is recommended for intubated or older adult patients who cannot gargle.

The effect of oral massage intervention on oral hygiene at home care.

Oral hygiene for individuals with disabilities living at home heavily relies on caregiver assistance. This study investigates differences in mouth opening, dental plaque index and halitosis grade among home-dwelling individuals with and without oral massage intervention. It is important to consider that extended bedridden periods, the presence of nasogastric tubes and difficulties in mouth opening can affect caregivers' oral cleaning effectiveness. This single-blind controlled experiment spanned 12 weeks. Primary caregivers underwent a 15- to 20-min demonstration. The experimental group received guidance on the Bass brushing method, instructions for using oral cleaning tools and training in oral massage. The control group received guidance on the Bass brushing method and instructions for oral cleaning tools. Measurement tools included basic participant information, oral examination records, mouth opening assessments, dental plaque index evaluations and halitosis ratings. The study included 38 subjects, all over 80 years old with disabilities. Dental plaque index significantly improved after massage (p = 0.001). Compared to their pre-massage conditions, the experimental group showed significant improvements in maximum mouth opening (11.65-20.71 mm, p = 0.001), dental plaque index (98.04%-59.74%, p < 0.0001) and halitosis rating (4.12-3.76, p = 0.034). Oral massage effectively improved mouth opening, reduced the dental plaque index and lowered halitosis ratings in the experimental group, underscoring its positive impact on oral hygiene. The study's insights can significantly benefit oral care for individuals with disabilities living at home.

Comparison of The Effectiveness of Fones and Modified Bass Teeth Brushing Methods on Reducing Plaque Index in Autism Spectrum Disorders Children Aged 6-12 Years

Children with special needs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), are at a higher risk of developing caries. Brushing teeth is the most effective preventive measure to avoid the risk of developing dental and oral diseases. The Fones teeth brushing method has been proven to reduce dental plaque in ASD patients due to its simplicity. The modified Bass method is also reported to be effective in removing interdental plaque. This study is to investigate whether there is a difference in the effectiveness of teeth brushing techniques, specifically the Fones method and the modified Bass method, in reducing the plaque index in children with ASD. A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted, with 24 ASD participants aged between 6-12 years. The Loe and Silness Plaque Index was used to measure the plaque index. Data analysis was conducted by comparing the two methods using a Paired t-test and a one-way ANOVA test. Indicate that there is a significant difference between the two treatments with a significance value of 0.039 (P&lt;0.05). The average plaque index from the Fones method was found to be 0.444 greater than the modified Bass method. In conclusion: There is a difference in effectiveness between the Fones teeth brushing method and the modified Bass teeth brushing method in reducing the plaque index in children with ASD aged 6-12 years.

Perception of Dental Caries Risk and Prevention among Orthodontic Patients – A Cross-Sectional Survey

Aim: To investigate the perception of dental caries risk and prevention among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and to assess the influence of the oral hygiene information attained during orthodontic visits on patients’ perception of dental caries prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire gathered information from 207 orthodontic patients (aged 18 and older). The questionnaire included questions about patients’ demographics, perception of dental caries risk and prevention during orthodontic treatment, and oral hygiene information received in orthodontic visits. Frequency distributions of responses were evaluated. Chi-square test was used to assess the differences in patients’ perception of dental caries prevention by demographics, and the oral hygiene information received during orthodontic appointments. Results: 74.9% of orthodontic patients perceived to be responsible for dental caries during orthodontic treatment, and 30.4% of patients perceived that it is abnormal to develop dental caries during treatment. Patients receiving information about tooth brushing methods and oral hygiene accessories during orthodontic appointments had a better perception of appropriate oral hygiene in preventing dental caries (P= 0.01 and P= 0.04, respectively). Moreover, patients receiving dietary information during orthodontic appointments had a better perception of supporting a good diet and avoiding sweets in preventing dental caries (P&lt; 0.001 and P= 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: There is a need to improve orthodontic patients’ perception of their risk of dental caries during orthodontic treatment and the manners that would help to avoid new decay lesions. Orthodontists should not underestimate the value of providing and reinforcing oral hygiene instructions throughout the course of orthodontic treatment.

A Novel Powder Addition Method for Improving Tensile Strength of Polylactic-Acid Prepared by Using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

Although Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology has gained popularity and is used extensively since the last decade, the low mechanical properties of the resulting product have been recognized as the major limitation of this technique. The anisotropic nature of the printed products due to the layered structure and many cavities that are present inside the printed parts are among the main causes of this problem. In this study, the powder addition reinforcement (PAR) method had been developed by introducing reinforcing powder into the polylactic acid (PLA) as the base material during the printing process so that nozzle clogging can be avoided and powders can be placed between the layers. In this work, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3) were used as a reinforcing powder. The addition of this powder was carried out by using two methods, namely brushing and compressed air-assisted techniques. The results showed that the compressed-air assisted technique demonstrated better results in terms of mechanical properties. In this case, the tensile strength of the composite with the compressed-air assisted technique was higher by 28.95% than that of the PLA and by 5.53% - 25.2% than that of the brushing method. Finally, this study showed that the compressed air-assisted method is the potential to be developed in the future as a powder addition reinforcement technique in the FFF process.