Interdental Brushes Research Articles

Creation of a Systematic Interdental Brush Set Based on the Passage Hole Diameter (PHD) - An In-Vitro Study.

This study aimed to develop a systematic interdental brush set with size distribution based on the passage hole diameter (PHD), addressing existing gaps in size selection criteria for effective interdental cleaning. In the first step, an interdental brush set that ascends stepwise according to the PHD value was envisioned. The study was divided into three phases: (i) in-vitro determination of PHD values of a currently existing assortment on the market by 13 calibrated dental professionals, (ii) in-vitro assessment of forces during insertion, and (iii) creation and evaluation of new prototypes for missing or non-matching PHD sizes. Intra- and inter-rater reliability, assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), as well as insertion forces and PHD sizes at all stages were reported. In the existing range, three interdental brushes fitting the desired PHD sizes were initially identified. Mean insertion forces between 0.3 and 1.7 N were documented based on raters' PHD choices. Two additional rounds of measurements with prototypes adapted in diameter and shape were necessary, particularly for PHD values of 1.4, 2.3 and 2.6. High intra- and inter-rater reliability was observed throughout the study (ICC > 0.95), ensuring consistent evaluations. After three rounds of assessments, a prototype was successfully identified for each targeted PHD value in the systematised set, showcasing reliable sizing and insertion forces. Using a structured approach, a comprehensive interdental brush set was developed with reliable PHD sizing and moderate insertion forces. The verification of size reliability through measurements by dentists represents a novelty in development and underlines the importance of accurate brush size selection for optimal biofilm control. Whether a systematic set based on the PHD value offers added value for clinical practice, and at what intervals, must be demonstrated in further studies.

Plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes among individuals with open interproximal spaces: a systematic review.

The shape and design of interdental brushes are crucial for appropriate adaptation to the interproximal areas, despite their excellent cleaning efficacy. The aim of this review is to assess and compare the available data on the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes with any other shaped-interdental brushes among patients with wide interdental spaces. Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, EBSCO Host, Lilacs, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from the earliest available year (2011) till May 15, 2024. PICO Strategy: P: Individuals with open interproximal spaces; I: Waist-shaped interdental brushes; C: Any other shaped interdental brushes; O: Interproximal plaque cleaning efficacy. The review only comprised randomized controlled trials. The risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence was assessed using the RoB-2 Tool and GRADE Tool respectively. Three full-text publications that met the requirements for eligibility underwent additional processing for data extraction. The overall results of the review suggest that the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes is better than straight/cylindrical-shaped interdental brushes in patients with open interdental spaces; especially on the buccal and lingual line angles. However, the pooling of data was not possible due to the high heterogeneity between the studies. The current review suggests that the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes could be better than straight or cylindrical shaped-interdental brushes in patients with open interproximal spaces, especially in buccal and lingual line angles. However, further research should focus on appropriate methodological techniques to increase overall reporting quality and limit the possibility of bias.

Assessment of Motivations, Treatment Risks, and Oral Health in Adults with Fixed Orthodontic Care: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the reasons why adults seek orthodontic treatment, their perceived treatment risks, oral hygiene habits, and awareness of oral health. Materials and Methods: This study, which involved 246 adults, used a self-report questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data and examine the participants' understanding of oral health, self-assessment of oral health status, adherence to oral hygiene routines, and use of oral hygiene products. In addition, the reasons for opting for orthodontic treatment, negative associations, and expected outcomes were examined. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis, including descriptive and regression methods. Results: The results showed that factors such as previous oral health education and regular use of specialized toothbrushes, including rotary toothbrushes, were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels (p < 0.05). However, daily oral hygiene practices were suboptimal, with the low utilization of aids: only 58.9% reported using interdental brushes, and 36.6% used dental floss regularly. Commonly reported dental problems included food debris between teeth (46.3%), tartar (35.4%), and tooth sensitivity to cold (26.4%). The primary motivations for orthodontic treatment were aesthetic improvement (63.8%), enhancements in oral function (49.6%), and addressing psychosocial concerns (42.7%). In contrast, the most frequently mentioned negative aspects associated with fixed orthodontic treatment were aesthetic concerns (30.9%), treatment duration (27.6%), and mouth ulcers (24.0%). Conclusions: Based on the research findings, regular oral hygiene education is recommended for adult patients considering fixed orthodontic therapy, including the use of additional tools such as interdental brushes and floss to improve oral health and reduce the risk of complications during treatment. The importance of chemical compounds in dentifrices and mouthwashes cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in addressing various dental issues. In addition, it is crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons of therapy and to visit a dentist regularly to maintain oral health and monitor progress during treatment.

A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of personalised oral hygiene advice delivered via video technology

ObjectivesTo determine whether video-technology oral hygiene advice (OHA) improved clinical plaque and bleeding on probing (BOP) scores in individuals diagnosed with gingivitis, compared to conventional OHA after 3-months. MethodsThis parallel, randomised 2-arm treatment, single-centre study, assessed Turesky Plaque Index (TPI) and BOP at baseline and 3-months in adult participants with mild-moderate gingivitis. Eligible participants with smartphones were randomised at baseline to intervention (tailored video OHA), or control (conventional OHA). Oral hygiene (OH) habits/attitudes were recorded with a questionnaire. All participants used a manual toothbrush with anti-gingivitis toothpaste twice daily. Results57 participants completed the study. Both groups had improved gingival health (BOP) after 3-months, change from baseline being significantly greater in the intervention group (12.21% vs 6.80 %, p < 0.05). TPI scores decreased more in the intervention than control group, but the difference did not reach significance (1.15 vs 0.92, p = 0.079). OH habits and attitudes were similar at baseline and few differences between the groups were observed after 3-months, however frequency of interdental brush use was significantly increased, while self-rated oral health was significantly decreased in the intervention as compared to control group at this timepoint (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe combination of an individually tailored instructional video with appropriate toothbrushing using anti-gingivitis toothpaste and interdental brush, significantly improved participants’ gingival health over 3-months compared to brushing with an anti-gingivitis toothpaste with conventional OHA as delivered in the general dental services. This study demonstrates the benefit of changing OH behaviour and delivering OHA using an individually tailored approach with contemporary methodology. Clinical SignificanceOHA is usually verbally delivered over short time periods. This study demonstrates video technology with individualised OHA improves OH adherence and empowers individuals, the recipient receiving personal visual cues with ability to replay advice and technique reiteration. This real-world technology could be better utilised in general dental practice.

Efficacy of a water flosser compared to an interdental brush on gingival bleeding and gingival abrasion: A 4 week randomized controlled trial.

To determine the efficacy of a water flosser (WF) compared to an interdental brush (IDB) in reducing gingival inflammation. Additionally, the products were compared on the incidence of gingival abrasion. Young adults with moderate gingivitis and ≥4 accessible interdental spaces by IDB in each quadrant were selected for this study. Participants were randomly assigned a WF or an IDB as an adjunct to manual toothbrushing. Clinical signs of inflammation were measured in two randomly assigned contralateral quadrants by bleeding on pocket probing (BOPP) or bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP). Gingival Abrasion Score (GAS) was assessed per quadrant. Data was recorded at the baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Both groups WF (n = 40) and IDB (n = 38) showed a significant reduction (p = 0.000) in BOMP and BOPP from the baseline to 4 weeks for all sites and the interdental sites only. At 4 weeks the WF group compared to the IDB group showed significantly lower BOPP (p = 0.030) and BOMP scores (p = 0.003) for all sites. For the interdental sites WF showed compared to IDB for BOMP significant (p = 0.019) lower values but not for BOPP (p = 0.219). There were no differences between the groups for GAS at any time point. In patients with moderate gingivitis, after 4 weeks use the WF is more effective than the IDB in obtaining marginal gingival health.

Evaluation of Caries Risk Using Cariogram Among Orthodontic Patients Before and During Treatment: A Comparative Study.

Objective The primary objective was to examine the Cariogram parameters among orthodontic patients with fixed appliances and evaluate the impact of preventive measures on mitigating the risk of dental caries during orthodontic therapy. Materials and methods Patients visiting the representative orthodontic clinics across 14 districts of Kerala participated in the comparative cross-sectional study from January 2023 to January 2024. The sampling method employed in this study was convenience quota sampling, where study subjects were allocated from each of the low, moderate, and high caries risk profiles until the sample size reached the minimal requirement within each group. The baseline Cariogram scores were used to divide the consented participants into two distinct groups. The intervention group was provided with preventive initiatives, including toothpaste comprising 1,450 ppm fluoride, 0.2% NaF mouthwash, pre-cut strands of SuperFloss, an orthodontic toothbrush designed for orthodontic braces, and an interdental flexible brush, as well as videos, pamphlets, and brochures that promoted oral health habits. In contrast, the control group received normal oral health education solely through the use of pamphlets and brochures. After six months, the Cariogram elements were re-evaluated for individuals in both groups. The independent sample t-test and paired t-test were applied to evaluate statistically significant differences between and within the two groups, respectively, using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). The distribution of patients based on their caries risk profiles was compared between groups at the commencement of the study and six months later using the Chi-square test. Results While the intervention group had 20 males and 22 females, the control group consisted of 21 males and 21 females. The average age in the intervention and control groups was 20.7±3.56 years and 21.2±3.12 years, respectively. Between the two groups, age (t=-0.68; p=0.50) and gender differences (λ2=0.05; p=0.83) were statistically insignificant. The percentage mean of the "Chance to avoid caries" associated with the intervention group increased significantly from 46.15±0.96 to 57.88±1.91, (p<0.001). On the other hand, the chance to avoid caries in the control group at the commencement of the treatment and six months later was found to be statistically insignificant. A statistically highly significant differences for all the Cariogram parameters were found when contrasted between the groups after six months of orthodontic treatment. The distribution of caries risk categorization between the control and intervention groups after six months of orthodontic treatment was found to be statistically significant (λ2=20.16;p<0.0001). Further, a statistically significant difference was observed during the pre-treatment phase and six months later in the intervention group (λ2=13.02; p=0.001). Conclusion The study findings reveal that it would be prudent to utilize 0.2% sodium fluoride mouth rinse, SuperFloss, an orthodontic toothbrush designed for orthodontic braces, and an interdental flexible brush, along with toothpaste containing 1450 ppm fluoride daily, to mitigate the risk of dental cavities during orthodontic treatment, in comparison to the control group.

A Study on Use of Interdental Brushes among Patients Who are Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: An Epidemiological Survey

Abstract Introduction Maintenance of periodontal health is very important during fixed orthodontic treatment as accumulation of plaque can cause dental challenges that may interfere with orthodontic treatment; hence the present investigation was carried out to examine the knowledge of patients who were using interdental brushes during fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods Total 150 subjects aged 14 to 30 years from Mangalore city were selected. Majority of them were in the age group of 14 to 18 years (39.33%). Overall, 77 females (51.3%) and 73 males (48.7%) who were undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and had given consent for the participation in epidemiological questionnaire survey were included. Demographic information and use of interdental brushes during fixed orthodontic treatment for maintaining periodontal health were included in the survey. Result Overall, 58% of the participants undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment were using interdental brushes, which was statistically significant. The frequency of using interdental brush was 72.4%, 19.5%, and 8.04% daily, weekly, and monthly, respectively. Conclusion The majority of the study participants who sought fixed orthodontic treatment were using interdental brushes daily in order to maintain periodontal health, which was statistically significant. Patient education and motivation was shown to be strongly associated with maintaining of periodontal health among study participants.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in the treatment of gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled trial.

Chemical plaque control with mouthwashes as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control with a toothbrush and dental floss has been considered an effective method for controlling gingivitis. The anti-inflammatory effects of chemical plaque control benefit the oral tissues by reducing inflammation and bleeding. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes in treating gingivitis patients by assessing changes in their clinical parameters. This prospective study was conducted on 40 patients from our outpatient department, divided into 4 groups of 10 patients each: probiotic mouthwash group (group 1); herbal (Aloe vera) mouthwash group (group 2); povidone-iodine mouthwash group (group 3); and CHX mouthwash group (group 4). All participants were provided with the same type of manual toothbrush, the Pepsodent® toothpaste and a respective mouthwash for twice-daily use until the end of a 28-day observation period. Clinical parameters, such as the marginal plaque index (MPI) and bleeding on interdental brushing (BOIB), were recorded at baseline, and on the 14th and 28th day of the study period. All groups showed a significant decrease in the MPI and BOIB scores. The results were similar in patients who used a probiotic mouthwash and those who used a CHX mouthwash. A comparable change in the mean scores was observed among the herbal and povidone-iodine groups from baseline to day 28. In the treatment of chronic gingivitis patients,a probiotic mouthwash was nearly as effective as CHX in reducing the plaque and bleeding scores. It showed better results in all clinical parameters than herbal and povidone-iodine mouthwashes. Using a mouthwash along with routine tooth brushing can help in treating gingivitis and slow the progression of the periodontal disease.

Caries Etiology and Preventive Measures.

Caries is a widespread disease in both children and adults. Caries is caused by the conversion of fermentable carbohydrates by plaque bacteria into acids on the tooth surface. Thus, it is important to focus on sugar reduction and plaque control. For efficient plaque removal/control, state-of-the-art toothpastes contain various active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents (e.g., chlorhexidine, stannous salts, and zinc salts), abrasives (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium phosphates, and hydrated silica), surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate), and natural compounds (e.g., polyphenols and xylitol). Agents with pH-buffering and calcium-releasing properties (e.g., calcium carbonate and calcium phosphates) and biomimetic actives (e.g., hydroxyapatite) reverse the effects of the acids. Additionally, modern toothbrushes (i.e., electric toothbrushes) as well as dental floss and interdental brushes significantly help remove plaque from dental surfaces including interproximal surfaces. In conclusion, modern concepts in caries prevention should focus not only on tooth remineralization alone but also on the control of all the key factors involved in caries development.

Morphometric Measurements of Root Anatomic Areas of Maxillary First Premolar Teeth in a Representative Nepalese Population

Background The prognosis of furcation involved maxillary first premolar is typically guarded to poor. The presence of concavities in the root trunk and the positioning of the roots in the buccal and palatal regions of the teeth are responsible for its challenges during instrumentation and control plaque. We aimed to access the presence of concavities on the root surface as well as morphometric measurement of the root trunk dimensions in the maxillary first premolar teeth in Nepalese population.MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, College of Medical Sciences (CoMS). Extracted Maxillary first premolar teeth were evaluated for the number of roots, morphometric measurement of the root trunk, root divergence, and root length. The presence of concavities was recorded on the mesial and distal root surface at cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the root.ResultsThe overall mean root trunk length was less on the mesial aspect than on the distal aspect (6.39 ± 2.54 and 8.08 ± 3.48 respectively). The prevalence of root surface concavity on the cervical third at the mesial aspect (90 %) was found to be higher than in the distal aspect (15%) Conclusions Owing to the higher prevalence of root surface concavity on the cervical third of mesial aspect, use of mini-bladed curettes is recommended for the effective root surface debridement of the periodontally involved maxillary first premolar tooth. Patients with periodontally involved maxillary first premolar should be advised to use interdental brushes rather than dental floss.

Evaluation of the efficacy of inter-dental brush and dental floss for peri-implant mucositis: A crossover randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the most effective method for mechanical inter-dental plaque removal between inter-dental brushes (IDB) and dental floss (DF), in addition to toothbrushing in patients affected by peri-implant mucositis (PIM); to identify possible factors related to the patient or to the single implant-supported element that could influence plaque accumulation and inflammation of peri-implant tissues. Forty patients with PIM were recruited. They were randomly assigned to two different groups depending on inter-dental device used (IDB or DF). At baseline (T0), interproximal area (IA), interproximal emergence angle of the implant crown (A°) and manual dexterity (evaluated with Purdue Pegboard) have been recorded. At 14 days (T1), the inter-dental cleaning devices have been inverted between groups. After 14 days (T2), the Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) have been recorded. A questionnaire has been submitted to a patient for the analysis of preferences at T0, T1 and T2. Both inter-dental cleaning devices were effective in reducing PI and GI in the inter-dental area after 14 days of use. GI reduction was influenced by manual dexterity of the dominant hand. No significant differences were found for PI and GI at the variation of IA and A°. IDB was the most effective method for inter-dental plaque removal in all subjects regardless of their manual dexterity. DF seems to be more effective than IDB only in subjects with good dexterity.

Are Dentists Hypocrites? Oral Self-care Habits and Self-reported Oral Health Status among Dentists and Non-dentists in Croatia.

Dentists provide dental care to their patients and educate them on their oral hygiene and how to maintain oral health. This paper aimed to determine whether dentists are hypocritical when advising their patients on oral hygiene procedures and dental treatments because they do not apply to themselves what they recommend to others. This is a self-reported study conducted through an online survey questionnaire completed by 1001 participants, of whom 551 were non-dentists and 450 dentists. This is the first study on oral hygiene habits and oral status among dentists in Croatia. This research included almost 10% of the total number of working dentists in Croatia. In terms of dental hygiene habits, dentists brushed, flossed and used interdental brushes more frequently, and they also changed toothbrushes more frequently, whereas they attended check-ups less frequently. Dentists also reported a smaller number of teeth with cavities, a greater number of teeth with fillings, a greater number of extracted teeth, and a greater number of dental crowns, but a smaller number of healthy teeth compared to general population. However, dentists had a much higher proportion of participants over 30 years of age, and when sub-analysis of participants over 30 years of age was performed, dentists had a greater number of healthy teeth compared to the general population. The results showed that dentists are aware of the importance of their oral health and that they do not pay attention only to their oral hygiene habits, but also apply advice they give their patients. Therefore, they cannot be considered hypocritical.

Comparison of Aversion to Visual Dental Stimuli Between Patients and Dentists: A Preliminary Study.

Fearful dental patients often cite various dental instruments or procedures as triggers for their dental fear. Thus, visual dental stimuli provoke anxiety. This preliminary study aimed to assess the level of aversion to visual stimuli in dental patients and compare it with that in dentists. A total of 43 dental patients (25 women, 18 men; average age, 29.9 ± 13.3 years; patient group) and 13 dentists (4 women, 9 men; average age, 28.2 ± 2.0 years; dentist group) were included. All participants had previously undergone dental treatment. The dental fear level was assessed using the self-reported Dental Fear Survey (DFS). Thirty-two images associated with dental treatment were prepared and classified into three categories: dental instruments, dental procedures, and the dental environment. All participants rated their level of disgust toward each image on a visual analog scale with scores ranging from 0 to 100. In the patient group, the disgust ratings for tooth extraction, dental drilling, and local anesthesia were >60, which were significantly different from those in the dentist group (Mann-Whitney U-test, p<0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). The ranking order of the disgust ratings for the 32 images showed significant correlation between the patient and dentist groups (Spearman correlation coefficient, r=0.80, p<0.001). In the patient group, the disgust ratings for dental impressions and the interdental brush, dental light, and dental chair were significantly correlated with DFS scores (r=0.61, p<0.001; r=0.47, p=0.001; r=0.41, p=0.006; and r=0.40, p=0.008, respectively). This study revealed that patients have more negative feelings toward invasive procedures than dentists. However, a significant correlation was identified between the ranking of aversion-provoking dental stimuli by patients and dentists. Furthermore, the level of aversion to several dental-related items that do not cause pain was correlated with the dental fear level.

Interdental brushing, for a clean mouth at every age

Interdental brushing, for a clean mouth at every age

Factors related to scaling experience among Korean youth according to their family background: the 18th Youth Health Behavior Survey (KYRBS)

Objectives: To investigate factors related to scaling between Korean and multicultural families using data from the 18th Youth Health Behavior Survey (KYRBS), 38,320 Korean adolescents were selected as subjects. Methods: A complex sample crossanalysis was conducted on general characteristics and oral health characteristics using the IBM SPSS program. Factors related to adolescent scaling were analyzed using complex sample logistic regression analysis. Results: Compared to Korean families, adolescents from multicultural families had 0.50 times less scaling experience within 12 months. Learning achievement was 1.30 times higher in high compared to low, indicating that scaling experience was high. In terms of economic status, scaling experience was found to be high at 1.50 times in high compared to low. Non-smoking adolescents had 1.26 times higher scaling experience. It was found that adolescents who do not use dental floss and interdental brushes have 0.71 and 0.55 times less scaling experience, respectively. Conclusions: Based on the above results, there is a need to increase adolescents awareness of oral health and motivate them to manage their own oral care. There is a need to provide opportunities to participate in various oral health education programs and to deepen continuous oral health education on oral disease prevention.

Oral Health Knowledge, Self-Assessed Oral Health Behavior, and Oral Hygiene Practices among the Adult General Population in Croatia.

Emphasizing the significance of optimal oral health for enhancing overall well-being, this study aimed to investigate oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene practices within the Croatian general population. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted online, utilizing a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic characteristics and inquiring about respondents' oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health status, oral hygiene habits, and use of oral hygiene products. Collected data underwent both descriptive and regression analyses to unveil patterns and relationships within the dataset. The respondents showed a high level of knowledge about oral health (median score 9, IQR 7.00-10.00, maximum possible score 10), with significant factors for higher knowledge being engaged in dental professions; above-average socioeconomic status; and the use of an electric brush, dental floss, and interdental brushes (p ˂ 0.05). Insufficient knowledge, on the other hand, was associated with bleeding gums and daily smoking (p ˂ 0.05). Although 69.4% of respondents considered their oral health to be very good, 32.5% reported tooth decay, and 38.2% reported tooth sensitivity. The majority (62.0%) cited regular check-ups as the reason for their last visit to the dentist, with 74.1% feeling no anxiety or discomfort during these visits. Daily toothbrush use was widespread (97.8%), but only 34.1% and 19.1% of respondents reported using floss and/or interdental brushes daily. A remarkable 69.0% of respondents indicated that low oral health literacy and low prioritization contribute to suboptimal oral health. While respondents demonstrated commendable oral health knowledge, the prevalence of reported issues suggests a potential gap between perception and actual oral health status. To address this, targeted educational interventions focusing on comprehensive oral hygiene practices and debunking misconceptions should be prioritized in Croatia.

Mechanical plaque removal in step-1 of care.

Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine is essential for taking care of our mouths, ensuring healthy teeth, and achieving fresh breath. Patient education on oral hygiene is an important component of their overall treatment. Firstly, patients should be informed about the direct connection between bacteria in dental plaque and oral diseases. It is important for patients to understand that these conditions can be treated, but the success of treatment greatly depends on their level of oral hygiene. This journey begins by selecting the appropriate toothbrush and mastering the correct brushing technique to effectively remove dental plaque while avoiding any potential damage to the gums. In addition to toothbrushes, there are other devices available for comprehensive dental cleaning, such as floss, interdental sticks, interdental brushes, and oral irrigators. These aids are particularly beneficial for eliminating dental plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, tongue brushing or tongue scraping can effectively reduce breath odor and tongue coating. Currently, self-care recommendations for dental implants are primarily based on existing knowledge regarding natural teeth cleaning. Evidence-based recommendations are derived from comprehensive systematic evaluation of various oral hygiene aids.

Effectiveness of Water Flossers in Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review

Background: Maintaining good oral hygiene with orthodontic appliances can be challenging, leading to plaque accumulation and complications. Traditional oral hygiene tools have limitations, and water flossers have been proposed as an effective solution. This review aims to examine the effectiveness of water flossers in orthodontic treatment by analyzing relevant studies. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria included observational studies reporting data on the benefits of water flossers in orthodontic treatment, focusing on outcomes such as plaque formation, gingival inflammation, and periodontal diseases. Exclusion criteria included non-observational studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, studies in languages other than English, and studies published before 1990. Study selection and screening were performed based on relevance and eligibility. Results: The initial search yielded 740 papers, which were narrowed down through screening and exclusion criteria. Ultimately, nine comparative studies were included in the review. The included studies encompassed multiple designs and sample sizes. Data extraction included information on the study year, study design, sample size, outcome assessed, intervention details (type of water flosser used, treatment duration), and conclusions related to the effectiveness of water flossers in orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: The review suggests that water flossers can be a valuable addition to the oral hygiene routine of orthodontic patients. The studies reviewed demonstrated the effectiveness of water flossers in plaque control, reducing gingival inflammation, and minimizing bleeding compared to traditional tools like interdental brushes and string floss. However, the evidence base is still limited, and further research is needed to strengthen the findings and explore the long-term effects of water flosser use in orthodontic treatment.

Interdental cleaning aids are beneficial for oral health at 7-year follow-up: Results from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND).

To estimate association between the use of interdental cleaning aids (IDAs) and type on 7-year follow-up levels of interdental plaque, interdental gingival inflammation, interdental periodontitis severity, the number of interdental sound surfaces and the number of missing teeth in a population-based cohort study. We used 7-year follow-up data of 2224 participants from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND). We applied generalized linear and ordinal logistic models, adjusting for confounding and selection bias using inverse probability treatment weighting and multiple imputation. Flossers were 32% less likely to have higher interdental plaque (iPlaque) levels than non-users of IDAs (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-0.94); flossing resulted in 5% lower means of iPlaque. Effects on interdental bleeding on probing (iBOP), mean interdental probing depths and mean interdental clinical attachment levels were direction-consistent but statistically non-significant. Interdental brushing was associated with lower follow-up levels for interdental plaque (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57-0.93) and iBOP (OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53-0.89). IDAs were more effective in reducing iPlaque in participants with periodontitis, whereas iBOP reduction was more pronounced in participants with no or mild periodontitis. The analyses did not suggest that the use of IDAs affected caries. Finally, applying change score analyses, flossing reduced tooth loss incidence (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.71) compared with non-users of IDAs. Recommending flossing and interdental brushing in dental practices represents an approach to the prevention of gingivitis and consequently periodontitis.

Interdental brushing, for a clean mouth at every age

Interdental brushing, for a clean mouth at every age