Dental Plaque Index Research Articles

In Vivo Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Nisin-Biogel as a New Approach for Canine Periodontal Disease Control.

Periodontal disease (PD) is a common oral disease in dogs. Recent in vitro research revealed that nisin−biogel is a promising compound for canine PD control. In this work, a clinical trial was developed to assess the in vivo efficacy of nisin−biogel in dogs by determining the dental plaque index (DPI), gingivitis index (GI), and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) after dental administration. The biogel’s influence on aerobic bacteria counts was also evaluated, as well as its acceptance/adverse effects in dogs. Twenty animals were allocated to one of two groups: a treatment group (TG) subjected to a dental topical application of nisin−biogel for 90 days and a control group (CG) with no treatment. Besides daily monitoring, on day 1 (T0) and at the end of the assay (T90), animals were subjected to blood analysis, periodontal evaluation, dental plaque sampling, scaling, and polishing. Statistical analysis with mixed models showed a significant reduction in mean PPD (estimate = −0.371, p-value < 0.001) and DPI (estimate = −0.146, p-value < 0.05) in the TG animals at T90. A reduction in the GI (estimate = −0.056, p-value > 0.05) was also observed but with no statistical significance. No influence on total bacterial counts was observed, and no adverse effects were detected. The nisin−biogel was revealed to be a promising compound for canine PD control.

Increase in the level of oral neutrophils with gingival inflammation – A population survey

ObjectivesHost responses to oral inflammation include a continuous and substantive response with the influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). PMN, referred to as first responders, migrate rapidly from the circulatory system through the connective tissue to mitigate stimuli and localize in the saliva. This study examined the relationship between the well-established clinical indices of gingivitis and dental plaque and the PMN level. Materials and MethodsThis study enrolled adults aged 18–75 years, who provided voluntary informed consent. Oral rinse samples were collected from 159 participants to estimate the PMN levels prior to the full-mouth assessment for gingivitis and dental plaque using the respective clinical indices. ResultsThe gingival index and dental plaque index scores were in the range of 0.098–2.71 and 0.73–4.78, respectively. Regardless of the age and gender, higher number of PMN was observed with higher gingival index and dental plaque index scores. Our analyses indicated a significant correlation between the oral PMN level and gingival index with a correlation coefficient of 0.66 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the correlation between the PMN level and dental plaque index was statistically significant with a correlation coefficient of 0.57 (p < 0.0001). Regression analysis identified a significant relationship between the PMN level and clinical indices (p < 0.0005). ConclusionsIncrease in the PMN levels with increasing clinical scores (gingival and dental plaque indices) reflect the oral inflammatory burden, irrespective of age or gender. These observations warrant future studies on participants stratified by health status and research directed toward examining the effects of interventions.

Investigation on the effectiveness of mouth-washing using laban leaves (Vitex pinnata) steeping water in reducing plaque accumulation: a study in state elementary school 1 Pagar Air, Aceh Besar

Background: Dental and oral diseases that are commonly suffered by Indonesian people, are dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental plaque is the primary cause of the periodontal disease and dental caries. The diseases can be prevented by inhibiting the formation of dental plaque using a mouthwash. One of the ways in removing dental plaque is by mouth washing using laban leaves (Vitex pinnata Linn) steeping water. Laban leaves contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins which can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans so that it capable of removing dental plaque naturally. Bio-ingredients have been long used in health sector for preventive, curative, and rehabilitative treatments.Methods: Experimental research with pre- and post-tests design using proposing sampling technique, where 56 people were taken as samples. The samples were divided into 2 groups which receiving different treatments. Group 1 was instructed to do mouth washing with laban leaves steeping water, while Group 2 was with water. Each of students did the mouth washing for 30 s (20 ml).Results: based on the comparison of the dental plaque index (before and after the mouth washing using laban leaves steeping water) it is revealed that the steeping water of laban leaves was effective in reducing the plaque index with p value of 0.000 (&lt;α=0.05).Conclusions: mouth washing using the laban leaves steeping water was effective in reducing the plaque accumulation. We then recommend a further study to investigate the potential of laban leave to be used in a mouthwash.

Effects of Educational Intervention on Dental Plaque Index in 9-Year-Old Children.

119 students of third-grade elementary (65 girls and 54 boys) from government and private schools of Qazvin city participated. The dental plaque index of every participant was primarily recorded by Silness and Loe method. Students were trained by a dental student by face-to-face method, and after 2 weeks, dental plaque indices were recorded again for every individual. After index recording and coding, data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Results showed that the dental plaque index was statistically significantly different before and after training (p < 0.001). Based on the results of this study, students' motivation in addition to proper training, can have a significant impact on oral and dental health. Furthermore, this study shows that face-to-face training along with involving the individual in training and learning was seen as quite helpful.

Effectiveness of Cocoa Seed Garmins to the Decrease of Dental Plaque Index

Dental and oral disease is a high prevalence in Indonesia 88.8% of the population has dental caries and periodontitis, 93% of children under 12 years of age have dental caries, 67.2% have experienced caries and 43.4% have not been treated. Dental plaque is a soft deposit that is firmly attached to the tooth surface, consisting of microorganisms that cause dental caries. Caries prevention and plaque control can be done by using mouth wash; it will be more effective if you rinse your mouth using herbal mouthwash that contains antioxidants and anti-bacterial. Cocoa Bean Extract (Theobroma Cacao L.) contains secondary metabolites, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and has a strong inhibitory effect on S. mutans bacteria. The purpose of the study: to determine the phytochemical content of cocoa beans, determine the effectiveness of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Kill Concentration (KBM) of mouthwash of cocoa bean methanol extract, determine the toxicity of mouthwash of cocoa bean methanol extract, determine the decrease in plaque index before and after gargling with methanol extract of cocoa beans (Theobroma Cacao L.), determine the effectiveness of the pH of the oral cavity before and after gargling methanol extract of cocoa beans (Theobroma Cacao L.). The research method is a laboratory experiment with a post-test only control group design. The research was conducted in the laboratory of the USK Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the USK FMIPA laboratory in 2022. Dry samples of 1 kg cocoa beans were macerated with 80% methanol for 3x24 hours; the filtrate was evaporated using a rotary evaporator to obtain a thick methanolic extract of cocoa beans. Phytochemical test results of methanol extract of cocoa beans contain compounds, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Test The average number of colonies of S. mutans ....

Comparison of brushing tooth using a mirror and without mirror to plaque index of orphanage children in Makassar

One of the most common dental and oral diseases in Indonesia today is periodontal disease which is generally caused by plaque bacteria on thetooth surface. To prevent the formation of plaque, maintenance of dental and oral hygiene is carried out in a sim-ple, effective and practicalway, namely by brushing teeth carefully and regularly. Mirroring is one of the media that can reflect oneself clearly because it can see the body including the entire surface of the teeth according to what is reflected in a mirror so that accuracy in brushing teeth is obtained andcleanliness is obtained on all surfaces of the teeth. The purpose of this study was to find how the plaque index compared to brushing teethwith and without mirrors in children at the Ummu Aiman ​​and Hikmah Orphanage in Makassar, using a quasi-experimental method with aposttest only control group design type. Based on the Mann-Whitney U test on 46 samples, a p-value of 0.000 (&lt;0.05) was obtained. This means that there is a significant difference in the dental plaque index in the group that brushes teeth using a mirror and without a mirror. It was concluded that brushing teeth using a mirror was more effective in reducing plaque index than without a mirror.

The Effectiveness of Using Total Paste with Sodium Lauryl Content in Removing Dental Plaque in Tanjung Lhoknga Elementary School Students, Aceh Besar Regency

Background: Dental caries is a disease caused by one of the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. Prevention of caries and dental plaque can also be done by brushing the teeth regularly using toothpaste. Mechanical or chemical methods can remove plaque. Caries prevention can be done by brushing the teeth using toothpaste. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of brushing teeth with sodium lauryl sulfate toothpaste and toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate on reducing dental plaque index in elementary school students in Aceh Besar district. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental method with a post-test-only group design. This research was conducted on students of elementary school students Tanjung Lhoknga, Aceh Besar district, with 120 people. Data analysis using statistical test used is Chi-Square test at 95% confidence level (= 0.05). Results: There is a difference between toothpaste with sodium laurel sulfate and toothpaste without sodium laurel sulfate (p-value &lt; 0.05 ). Brushing teeth with toothpaste without sodium laurel sulfate had a better effect on reducing plaque index (p-value &lt; 0.05). Brushing teeth with sodium lauryl sulfate toothpaste before the intervention, the plaque index was 1.731, and after the intervention, the plaque index was 1.562, there was a decrease in plaque by 0.169. while brushing teeth without sodium laurel and sulfate plaque index before intervention was 1,845, and plaque index after the intervention was 1,230. There was a decrease in plaque by 0.615. Toothpaste without sodium laurel sulfate lowers plaque index more than toothpaste with sodium laurel sulphate. Conclusion: Brushing teeth with toothpaste without sodium laurel sulfate is more effective in reducing plaque index.

Effect of oral health intervention program on the self oral care of children attending childcare facilities: a quasi-experimental study

This study aimed to conduct a quasi-experimental study for assessing the effects of an oral health intervention program (OHIP), on the self-management of oral health in children attending childcare centers. The participants recruited were 83 children from two childcare centers, who were allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the OHIP. At baseline, a self-reported survey of parents was conducted. In addition, the oral status of the children at baseline and at 5 weeks was evaluated. Their brushing behavior was assessed once a week and every day during the OHIP intervention period and at home, respectively. After the follow-up at 12 weeks, dental plaque index (PI) was measured and two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed. The PI of the intervention group significantly decreased at week 5, compared to the baseline (1.90 ± 0.53, p &lt; 0.001). Despite a substantial increase in week 12 (2.67 ± 0.08, p &lt; 0.001), the PI was significantly lower than that of the control group (3.37 ± 0.60). The OHIP was effective in reducing the PI and modifying the brushing behavior among children. It is necessary to develop and expand a systematic oral health education program to promote self-management of oral health in children.

Prevalence of Dental Caries, Oral Hygiene Status, and Associated Risk Factors Among Schoolgoing Children of Rajshahi District in Bangladesh

Introduction: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent and chronic oral diseases, particularly in childhood, associated with multifactorial causation.&#x0D; Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status, and associated risk factors among school-going children of Rajshahi District in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional design type of descriptive study was carried out among primary school-going children of 5-13 years of age in the Rajshahi district. The sample size was 2000, and that was selected purposively. Data were collected through a partially structured questionnaire. Descriptive variables were explained with mean and standard deviation. The Chi-square test was applied to see the relationship with qualitative variables. Statistical significance was found by applying relevant statistical tests at an appropriate probability level (p&lt;0.05 or &lt;0.01).&#x0D; Results: A total of 2000 children between 5-13 years of age participated in this survey. The study findings showed a high prevalence of dental caries among 8–10-years old school children. Most (56.9%) of the respondents' fathers were workers, and most (86.3%) of the respondents' mothers were homemakers. It was found that 64.2% of the respondents' fathers and 74.05% of the respondents' mothers had below SSC level of education. About 60% of the respondents brushed their teeth twice a day, and a good number (81.0%) brushed their teeth before breakfast. The majority (68.80%) of the respondents had a family history of dental problems, and 45.6% had average oral hygiene. A large number (49.6%) of the respondents' favorite food was junk food. The relationship of age of the respondents with oral hygiene status was found to be statistically significant (p &lt;0.001) but not with sex, parents' education, and occupation (p &gt;0.05 each). The relationship of oral hygiene status of the respondents was found to be statistically significant with the frequency of tooth brushing (p &lt;0.05), time of tooth brushing (p &lt;0.01), family history of dental problems (p &lt;0.05), most favorite food (p &lt;.001), dental plaque index (p &lt;0.001) and dental caries index (p &lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries was higher among school-going children in the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh.&#x0D; TAJ 2022; 35: No-1: 125-136

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ORAL HEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AT CERCI PORTALEGRE

Introduction: At the present time, progress has been made between the relation in oral health and general health. Therefore, deepen knowledge of the oral health status of a population is essential for the establishment of health promotion measures. Since populations with special needs require a multidisciplinary approach, it is even more important to define these measures. The first step will be to establish the baseline values of a population, and thus to better understand their oral health needs. Objectives: This work aims to characterize the oral health status of a population with special needs at Cerci Portalegre. Methods: After obtaining the informed consent of the heads of the institution and the individuals’ legal guardians, as well as the consent of the individuals, the observation of the oral cavity was carried out to collect the present and past history of dental caries using the DMFT index (index of decayed, missing and filled teeth) and the evaluation of bacterial plaque accumulation on the dental surface by the DI’S index (bacterial plaque index). Results: Forty individuals were observed, 29 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 35 years. It was observed that these individuals had a mean value of DMFT of 4.7 decayed, missing and filled teeth, with no statistically significant difference between men and women (p=0.952). The mean value of DI’S was 2.02 which represents a high value of bacterial plaque accumulation which, being an etiological factor of oral diseases, indicates a risk of developing oral health problems. Conclusions: Patients with disabilities in most cases require more care at the level of oral health, due to their physical and mental inability to perform correct oral hygiene habits. Therefore, promoting oral health and educational measures may play a relevant role in the study population for the prevention of oral health problems and consequently other health problems.

Evaluation of the suitability of Gardenia blue pigment derived from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Rubiaceae) as a dental plaque disclosant.

Dental disclosants are used to distinguish the amount and location of dental plaque. Therefore, dental disclosants are useful for dental plaque management and effective in motivating oral care. After reports on the cytotoxicity and carcinogenesis of dental disclosants containing erythrosine, many natural pigments for dental disclosants have been suggested. However, there are insufficient ingredients with proven biocompatibility for human subjects. The purpose of this study was to explore the suitability of Gardenia blue pigment as a dental disclosant. Natural Gardenia blue pigment was used as the dental disclosant experimental group and 2Tone was used as the control group. The homogeneity of the panelists in the groups was identified by measuring the gingivitis index and dental plaque index of the subjects before the experiments. The degree of pigmentation on the tooth surface was observed immediately after coloring and after 1 h. The remaining pigment on the dental surface was also monitored after brushing the teeth. In the panelist test, the taste and sensation of the pigment were examined, and the overall preference for the pigment as a dental disclosant was examined. After coloration of the tooth surface, neither the natural Gardenia blue pigment nor 2Tone imparted any special taste or sensation. The coloration of dental plaque with Gardenia blue pigment was similar to that of 2Tone, and the difference in the degree of coloration between Gardenia blue pigment and 2Tone was not statistically significant. The residual degree of pigmentation after 1 h of coloring was similar in both groups, but most of it was removed by brushing. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall preference of Gardenia blue pigment over 2Tone. The results of this study prove that natural Gardenia blue pigment could be a suitable dental disclosant in terms of pigmentation and preference.

The Efficacy of Minocycline Hydrochloride Combined with Multiple Antibiotic Paste in Elderly Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Concomitant Pulp Lesions.

Objective To explore the efficacy of Minocycline hydrochloride combined with multiple antibiotic pastes in the treatment of chronic periodontitis with concomitant pulp lesions in elderly patients, as well as to analyze the changes in the levels of inflammatory markers. Methods 100 patients suffering from chronic periodontitis with concomitant pulp lesions treated in our hospital from July 2018 to January 2020 were selected as the study subjects, and were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 50). Patients in the experimental group were treated with Minocycline hydrochloride combined with multiple antibiotic pastes, while those in the control group were treated with Minocycline hydrochloride alone. The treatment efficacy in the two groups was then assessed using such factors as periodontal probing depth, dental plaque index, gingival index, periodontal attachment level, and the presence or absence of adverse effects. We also measured and compared the levels of inflammatory markers such as CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, and others in both groups, before treatment, as well as after a week of treatment. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the treatment efficacy between the two groups (P < 0.05), with a higher treatment efficacy seen in the experimental group as compared to the control group. When compared to the control group, the experimental group had lower depths of periodontal probing, lower dental plaque indices, lower gingival indices, lower periodontal attachment levels, as well a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions (P < 0.05). Before treatment, the levels of inflammatory markers such as CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, and IL-6 were elevated in both groups. After a week of treatment, there were reductions in the levels of inflammatory markers in both groups, but a more significant reduction was seen in the experimental than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Minocycline hydrochloride combined with various antibiotic pastes is more effective in the treatment of chronic periodontitis with concomitant pulp lesions in elderly patients than monotherapy with Minocycline hydrochloride alone.

Cross-sectional analysis of the association of periodontitis with carotid intima media thickness and atherosclerotic plaque in the Hamburg City health study.

Previous epidemiological studies regarding the association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and subclinical atherosclerosis have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine whether CP is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in a large population-based cohort study conducted in northern Germany (the Hamburg City Health study). Baseline data from 5781 participants of the Hamburg City Health Study with complete oral health and carotid ultrasound data (50.7% female, mean age: 62.1± 8.4 years) were evaluated. A standardized duplex sonography of the carotid artery was performed with measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and atherosclerotic plaques. Oral health was assessed by recording the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and the dental plaque index (PI). Correlations were tested for statistical significance by means of descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses. Moderate and severe CP were associated with the prevalence of cIMT ≥ 1 mm (none or mild CP: 5.1%, moderate CP: 6.1%, severe CP: 10%) and mean cIMT (none or mild CP: 0.72 mm, moderate CP: 0.75 mm, severe CP: 0.78 mm) in bivariate analyses (p< .001). Additionally, severe and moderate CP were associated with higher prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques (plaque=yes: none or mild CP: 23.9%, moderate CP: 29%, severe CP: 40.2%,). After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, educational level, hypercholesterolemia, and hsCRP, severe CP still correlated significantly with cIMT and the prevalence of cIMT ≥1 mm and/or presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. In this study, severe CP was associated with increased cIMT and higher prevalence of carotid plaques independent of common risk factors.

The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Oral Health Literacy, Knowledge, and Behavior in Iranian Adolescents: A Theory-Based Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction Oral health is one of the most important issues in public health. Most educational interventions, as the primary prevention strategy, are focused on increasing information and knowledge and are not usually effective. Therefore, the present study is aimed at determining the effect of theory-based education on oral health behavior and its psychological determinants including dental health literacy. Method This randomized controlled educational trial was conducted in two girls' high schools that were selected by multistage cluster sampling and were divided into an intervention and a control group. Literacy, knowledge, oral health behavior, dental plaque index, and constructs of the protection motivation theory were evaluated before and one month after four training sessions. Finally, the data were entered into the SPSS 19 software and were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, and Mann–Whitney test at the significant level of 0.05. Result Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding the mean scores of knowledge, behavior, and oral health literacy; plaque index; and protection motivation theory constructs. After the educational intervention, however, the means of these variables were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion The study findings were in favor of the effectiveness of the theory-based educational intervention in improving the knowledge, literacy, and behavior related to oral health. Yet, further research is suggested to determine the effectiveness of such an intervention in male students as well as in populations with different socioeconomic and cultural statuses.

Is there a safe dental plaque index to prevent periodontal diseases related to plaque? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with a dysbiotic biofilm and characterized by progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus. This systematic review aimed to establish the quantitative association between dental plaque index and plaque-induced periodontal outcomes, as well as, clinical plaque index (PI) cut-off points. MEDLINE electronic searches were performed with at least two outcomes (healthy, G or P). 124 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in meta‐analysis. Healthy (H) group had a PI three times lower than G group (ROM 3.21; 95% CI 2.35-4.39) and P group (ROM 3.34; 95% CI 2.97-3.76); P group had 32% higher PI than G group (ROM 1.32; 95% CI 1.15-1.50). The meta‐analyses of different PI (Silness and Löe, PI-SL; and percentage of faces, PI-%), PI-SL H group (MRAW 0.52) differed from G group (MRAW 1.58) and P group (MRAW 1.83) although it was not possible to distinguish the G group (95% CI 1.28-1.89) from the P group (95% CI 1.67-1.98). This was also observed in the PI-% (MRAW 22% H, MRAW 68% G and P group). PI was able to distinguish periodontal health individuals from whom with periodontal conditions associated with plaque. This systematic review proposes the following PI values cutoff points: H group lower than 0.7 (PI-SL), 30% (PI-%); G group 0.7 to 1.6 (PI-SL) or 31% to 60% (PI-%); and P group up to 1.6 (PI-SL) or 60% (PI-%). The results have clinical application on health promotion and disease prevention through population-based interventions.

Factors associated with dental caries experience of Thai preschool children with cerebral palsy.

To investigate the factors association with dental caries experience in the primary dentition of Thai preschool children with cerebral palsy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among sixty Thai preschool children with cerebral palsy, aged 3-6 years old. Caries experience was determined by identifying decayednon-cavitated and cavitated lesion, missing, and filled surfaces of deciduous teeth(dmfs). Sociodemographic data, CP motor types, dietary habits, oral health behaviors and dental plaque index were collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to identify the strength of the association between factors and dental caries experience. The prevalence of dental caries was 91.66%. The average dmfs was 20.30 ± 21.63 surfaces/individual. The multiple linear regression indicated that dmfs was significantly associated with snacking carbohydrate between meals more than two times/day (β ± SE = 0.372 ± 0.125; p = 0.004), spastic type of cerebral palsy (β ± SE = 0.309 ± 0.124; p = 0.015) and one-time daily tooth brushing (β ± SE = 0.306 ± 0.124; p = 0.017). Nine out of 10 preschool children with CP experienced dental caries. Spastic type of CP had more risk to develop dental decay. Caries prevention for preschool children with CP should emphasis on controlling the frequency of carbohydrate snack no more than two times/day and reinforcing tooth brushing at least twice daily.

Effectiveness of an online application of the health action process approach (HAPA) theory on oral hygiene intervention in young adults with fixed orthodontic appliances: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an online application based on HAPA theory on oral hygiene promotion in young adults with fixed orthodontic appliances.MethodsA WeChat mini-program (called “Clean Teeth”) based on HAPA theory was designed beforehand to improve oral-health behaviors and oral hygiene, and 44 participants aged 17–29 with fixed orthodontic appliances were recruited. Participants of the experimental group (n = 22) received the “Clean Teeth” mini-program, in addition to care as usual, and the control group (n = 22) only received routine oral health education. Data were collected during three orthodontic check-ups: baseline (T0), 6 weeks of follow-up (T1), and 12 weeks of follow-up (T2). All participants completed questionnaires assessing oral health behaviors and the psychosocial factors of the HAPA model and accepted the clinical examinations involving the dental plaque index and the gingival bleeding index.ResultsAfter a 12-week intervention, the plaque index and gingival bleeding index in the experimental group were significantly lower than that in the control group. The psycho-social parameters of social effects, expected outcomes, and action control were improved significantly after treatment, among which social effects increased significantly only in the experimental group but not in the control group.ConclusionsThe HAPA theory-based mini-program had positive effects on oral-health behavior promotion and oral hygiene among young adults with fixed orthodontic appliances.Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, with the number CTR2200056731, dated 12/02/2022. http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

Chlorhexidine Improves Hygiene Reducing Oral Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes with Antimicrobial Effects at Distinct Microenvironments amongst Subjects Stratified by Health Status.

Oral conditions such as gingivitis and oral malodor are commonly reported globally. Objective: This investigation clinically stratified subjects to healthy, malodor and gingivitis groups and enumerated oral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) as a measure of inflammation prior to and after rinsing with a chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash. The study also assessed clinical outcomes (dental plaque and gingival bleeding indices), malodor (halimeter scores, organoleptic and tongue coat index and microbiological parameters (anaerobic and malodor organisms of dental plaque, tongue surface and saliva) for a comprehensive assessment of the oral inflammatory burden. Methods: Consenting adults were stratified into control (n = 17), gingivitis (n = 19) and halitosis (n = 17) groups based on clinical criteria. At baseline, oral samples were examined for PMN in addition to microbiological analysis of dental plaque, saliva and tongue scrapings for anaerobic and malodor bacteria. Subjects were issued a commercially available fluoride toothpaste and a chlorhexidine mouthwash for two-week use prior to post-treatment assessments identical to baseline. Results: At baseline, PMN were lowest in the control that increased amongst the halitosis subjects, with the gingivitis group registering the highest levels (p < 0.05) with these outcomes corresponding with clinical parameters (p < 0.05). CHX use improved outcomes with a 56–61% reduction in PMN with significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). Dental plaque and bleeding indices were lower by 57–78% with oral malodor, demonstrating reductions of 33–59% (p < 0.05). Significant reductions in anaerobic and malodor organisms ranging from 78–96% and 76–94%, respectively, were noted after CHX use (p < 0.05). Conclusions: At study enrollment, PMN scores were lowest in healthy subjects, with increasing numbers amongst halitosis followed by gingivitis. Amongst all subject groups, CHX use significantly reduced oral PMN and corroborated with corresponding decreases in clinical, malodor and bacterial outcomes. Together, these results demonstrate the significant reductions in the oral inflammatory burden following CHX use.

Plaque removal by a novel prototype power toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush: A randomized, exploratory clinical study.

ObjectivesThis exploratory study investigated plaque removal with a prototype constant, low rotation speed Power Toothbrush (PTB) with two brushing actions: “Gumline” (head rotates in the horizontal axis) and “Interdental” (head rotates in the vertical axis). Gumline alone and “Combined” (Gumline + Interdental) modes were compared with a Reference PTB and a Reference Manual Toothbrush (MTB) after one brushing.Materials and MethodsThirty‐nine participants were randomized to use each toothbrush once either in the sequence (A) Prototype PTB (in Gumline then Combined mode), (B) reference MTB, and (C) reference PTB or the sequence BAC. There was a minimum 3‐day washout between the use of each toothbrush. Plaque removal was measured using the Rustogi Modified Navy Dental Plaque Index (RMNPI) with change from baseline investigated using an analysis of covariance model. RMNPI scores were calculated on a “whole mouth” basis and along the gingival margin and at proximal sites only.ResultsFor the primary efficacy variable, a significant difference was found in favor of the prototype PTB in gumline mode versus the reference MTB for whole mouth plaque score (difference: −0.06; standard error: 0.014; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.09 to −0.04; p < .0001). Similar significant differences were found in gingival margin and proximal areas (p < .0001). The prototype PTB in gumline mode removed significantly less plaque than the prototype PTB in combined mode and the reference PTB (p < .0001; whole mouth/gingival/proximal areas). The prototype PTB in combined mode removed significantly more plaque than the reference MTB (p < .0001; whole mouth/gingival/proximal areas) and the reference PTB for whole mouth (p = .0214) and gingival margin areas (p = .0010). The reference PTB also removed significantly more plaque than the reference MTB (p < .0001; whole mouth/gingival/proximal areas). All brushes were generally well‐tolerated.ConclusionThe prototype PTB design, providing two distinct cleaning modalities, can effectively remove plaque to a significantly higher degree than an MTB and a marketed PTB, depending on mode.

Assessment of Oral Hygiene Practices Among Antenatal Mothers

Introduction: Pregnancy is a natural process. Physiological changes which occur during pregnancy increase the risk of developing oral diseases and potentially result in adverse pregnancy outcomes. So, it is important to maintain oral hygiene, especially during the antenatal period. Objective: To assess the oral hygiene practices among antenatal mothers. Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology OPD, PGIMER Chandigarh, where 200 antenatal mothers visiting Obstetrics and Gynecology OPD, PGIMER from October to December 2020 were enrolled using purposive sampling technique. Ethical clearance was obtained from Ethics Committee, PGIMER, Chandigarh, and written consent was taken from participants. Data were collected by interviewing participants as per interview schedule comprising (a) personal profile of antenatal mothers, (b) obstetric profile, and (c) oral hygiene practices and perception. Oral hygiene status was observed by assessment sheet (a) checklist comprising dental markers and (b) plaque index tool for assessing oral hygiene of antenatal mothers. Results: The findings of the study revealed that majority of mothers (86%) had correct perception that poor oral hygiene negatively affects the child and 58% believed that brushing does not cause loosening of teeth. When practices were assessed, it was found that 74.5% mothers brushed once only, 99.5% did not floss and 98.5% did not use mouthwash. Although the perception held by mothers was correct, they did not have good oral hygiene practices. When oral hygiene was assessed, it was found that 84.5% mothers had poor oral hygiene because of various dental problems like gum bleeding, caries, gingivitis, etc., whereas only 3% mothers had good oral hygiene. Conclusion: The study concluded that a majority of antenatal mothers had correct perception about oral hygiene, but they did not put it into practice. Many of them had poor oral hygiene. Hence, there is an urgent need for comprehensive educational program to promote good oral health and impart education about correct oral hygiene practices, as oral hygiene is a neglected aspect in pregnancy.