Mean Plaque Scores Research Articles

Effectiveness of jigsaw puzzle assisted visual reinforcement technique on toothbrushing knowledge, practices and clinical parameters of hearing and speech-impaired adolescents: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Oral health education (OHE) for hearing and speech-impaired (HSI) adolescents relies heavily on sign language. However, it is not effective in conveying oral health concepts due to communication barriers, resulting in suboptimal oral health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the jigsaw puzzle assisted visual reinforcement (JPVR) technique on toothbrushing knowledge, practices, and clinical parameters among HSI adolescents. The study was carried out as a single-blind randomized controlled trial in a public school in Belagavi, India for a period of three months. The study included 95 participants who were randomly allocated into two groups. One group received sign language with JPVR technique, and the other group received only sign language. A self-designed 15-item closed-ended questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha value of 0.88; content validity ratio=0.85) was developed to assess the knowledge, and practices at baseline and 3 months. Plaque and gingival indices were also recorded. At the end of 3 months, the knowledge gained and practices improved in JPVR group were significantly higher compared to sign language group (p=.001). The mean plaque score was significantly lower in JPVR group than that in the sign language group (p=.001); however, gingival index did not show any statistically significant difference at 3 months. The current study demonstrated that OHE utilizing JPVR technique led to significant improvements in toothbrushing knowledge, practices, and plaque scores compared to that of conventional sign language. This promising strategy has the potential to be cost-effective and does not incorporate specialized sign language training for health professionals.

Evaluation of correlation between compliance of a patient towards orthodontic treatment and plaque accumulation in lower anterior region with fixed orthodontic appliances. A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND &OBJECTIVE: Using orthodontic appliances can offer new spots for the oral microbiota and dental plaque to attach. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay resulting in the removal of braces to repair damage and delay treatment. Orthodontic patients who are mindful of their oral health often show greater compliance with their treatment. They tend to miss fewer appointments and avoid losing brackets, demonstrating a strong commitment to their orthodontic care. This study aims to find a correlation between plaque accumulation and patients’ compliance with their orthodontic treatment. METHODOLOGY:50 orthodontic patients (20 males and 30 females, aged 11 to 25 years) were assessed at their 3rd, 4th, or 5th appointments. The plaque index for each patient was calculated on these appointments. Patient compliance like appointment follow-ups and bracket failures was recorded. A correlation was found between the plaque index and compliance of the patient. RESULTS: A statistical analysis revealed a significant, strong negative correlation between the rate of following appointment follow-ups and the plaque scoring index (r = -0.832, P value < 0.001), and a significant, strongly positive correlation between bracket failure rate and plaque scoring index (r = 0.795, P < 0.001). Patients who had good attendance at follow-up appointments and low bracket failure had lower mean plaque score indices. CONCLUSION: Patients with good compliance in terms of low bracket failure rate and attending follow-up appointments regularly tend to have lower plaque scores.

Long-term effects of abatacept on atherosclerosis and arthritis in older vs. younger patients with rheumatoid arthritis: 3-year results of a prospective, multicenter, observational study

BackgroundWe aimed to reveal the effect of abatacept (ABT) on atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 3-year efficacy for arthritis, and safety in a population of older vs. younger patients.MethodsIn this open-label, prospective, observational study, patients were stratified into four groups: younger (20–64 years old) and older (≥ 65 years) patients taking ABT (AY and AO) and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) (CY and CO). Primary endpoints were change from baseline in mean intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery, IMT max (bulbus, bifurcation, and internal and common carotid artery), and plaque score at Week 156. Disease activity, retention rate, and adverse effects were also evaluated.ResultsThe ABT group (AY + AO) tended to have smaller increases in mean IMT, max IMT, and plaque score than the csDMARD group (CY + CO) at Week 156, although the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed significantly lower increases in plaque score with ABT than with csDMARDs, only when considering disease activity at 156 weeks (p = 0.0303). Proportions of patients with good or good/moderate European League Against Rheumatism response were higher in the ABT group, without significant difference between older and younger patients. No significant differences were observed in ABT retention rates between older and younger patients. Serious adverse effects, especially infection, tended to be more frequent with ABT than with csDMARDs, although no significant differences were found.ConclusionsABT may decelerate atherosclerosis progression and may be useful for patients with high risk of cardiovascular disease, such as older patients.Trial registration number:UMIN000014913.

Comparative effectiveness of Propolis with chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis – a randomized controlled clinical study

BackgroundTo assess and compare the effectiveness of propolis mouthwash with chlorhexidine mouthwash in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis.MethodsA single centre, latin-square cross-over, double masked, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 45 chronic generalized gingivitis subjects who were chosen from the dental clinic of MAHSA University, Malaysia. A total of 45 subjects were randomly assigned into one of the three different groups (n = 15 each) using a computer-generated random allocation sequence: Group A Propolis mouthwash; Group B Chlorhexidine mouthwash; and Group C Placebo mouthwash. Supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation were assessed by full mouth Plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) at baseline and after 21 days. The study was divided into three phases, each phase lasted for 21 days separated by a washout period of 15 days in between them. Groups A, B and C were treated with 0.2% Propolis, Chlorhexidine, and Placebo mouthwash, respectively, in phase I. The study subjects were instructed to use the assigned mouthwash twice daily for 1 min for 21 days. On day 22nd, the subjects were recalled for measurement of PI and GI. After phase I, mouthwash was crossed over as dictated by the Latin square design in phase II and III.ResultsAt baseline, intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant difference between Groups A, B and C (p > 0.05). On day 21, one-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant difference between the three groups for PI (p < 0.001) and GI (p < 0.001). Bonferroni post-hoc test showed statistically significant difference between Propolis and Chlorhexidine mouthwash (P < 0.001), with higher reduction in the mean plaque and gingival scores in propolis group compared to chlorhexidine and placebo groups.ConclusionsPropolis mouthwash demonstrated significant improvement in gingival health and plaque reduction. Thus, it could be used as an effective herbal mouthwash alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash.Trial registrationThe trial was retrospectively registered on 25/07/2019 at clinicaltrials.gov and its identifier is NCT04032548.

Comparison of Different Modes of Oral Health Education in Visually Impaired Children.

To compare the effectiveness of various modes of oral health education in visually impaired children. A total of 100 students aged 8-15 years were included. The children were divided randomly into four groups. Children in Group I received oral hygiene instructions through Braille pamphlets. In Group II, children received instructions through nonvisual desktop access (NVDA). For children in Group III, both Braille and NVDA were used to deliver the instructions. Children included in Group IV served as controls, who did not receive any information in any form for the study period. After oral examination to record plaque and OHI-S scores, a questionnaire was given to the children to assess their knowledge scores. The same questionnaire was repeated after 1 month to reassess the knowledge score in different groups. Chi-square test, Wilcoxon test, and post hoc analysis tests were used. The mean plaque scores among the control group children at the follow-up were significantly higher (2.5 ± 0.64) than any other group. Similarly, the control group had higher mean oral hygiene simplified scores (1.75 ± 1.32) than the Braille (1.12 ± 0.65), NVDA (0.85 ± 1.38), and Braille + NVDA (0.2 ± 0.64) groups at follow-up. With regards to the mean total knowledge score, the control group scored the least (2.16 ± 1.46), while the Braille, NVDA, and Braille + NVDA groups scored 3.16 ± 1.43, 4.52 ± 1.12, and 6.36 ± 0.52, respectively. Combination of Braille and NVDA was found to be effective in educating and motivating visually impaired children regarding maintenance of oral hygiene.

Effectiveness of Moringa oleifera Mouthwash in Young Adults as an Anti Plaque Agent – An Interventional Study

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the oral cavity’s supportive structures, including gums and surrounding bone. Herbal mouthwashes have phytopharmacological agents such as Moringa oleifera (MO), and the use of herbal mouthwash has increased. Moringa mouthwash has potential for oral health due to its biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory effect. This study compares the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and moringa mouthwash on plaque and its reduction. Methodology: The in vitro tests included the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration using broth dilution and agar diffusion. This interventional study included 25 individuals with more than 1 plaque score. The study was conducted for 2 months with a washout period of 2 weeks between the use of both mouthwashes. The Quigley–Hein Plaque Index of the study subjects was recorded at the designated baseline and after 28 days of use throughout the study period. The statistical test used was the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the level of significance was considered to be &lt;0.05. Results: The results showed that the reduction in the mean plaque scores from baseline to day 28 was statistically significant in the moringa-based mouthwash. Similarly, the index scores showed a statistically significant reduction following the use of the moringa-based mouthwash when compared with the gold-standard chlorhexidine mouthwash with P = 0.00. The comparison showed that MO offered the same improvement as CHX. Conclusion: The current study aimed to provide an insight role of MO mouthwash as a possible adjunctive oral hygiene aid and its inhibitory effect on plaque reduction when compared to CHX.

Pamphlet or a Lecture, which Method is more Effective in Educating Children about Proper Ways of Tooth Brushing? Quasi-Experimental Study

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of educating proper tooth brushing techniques via lecture or pamphlet on the reduction of dental plaque score among 12-year-old schoolchildren from subset Karachi. METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental study was performed from September to December 2021 in three underprivileged Karachi schools. After ethical approval schools were selected based on convenience sampling. Subjects were selected by random sampling and were divided into groups A, B, and C. The children of groups A&amp;B (lecture&amp; pamphlet) were taught tooth brushing as per American dental association criteria. The Plaque score at baseline was recorded. Group A was educated using a lecture with a live demonstration of brushing using models and charts. Group B was given Pamphlets, that had both text and illustrations, containing pictures of brushing techniques. Group C had no intervention i.e. a control group. The dental plaque score was calculated using the Loe and Silness scale. The Plaque score was measured at baseline (0), after one month, and after three months. RESULT: At baseline mean, the mean plaque score was 1.381±0.636, at 1-monthfollow-up 1.161±0.562, and at 3 months follow-up 1.065±0.658. There was a significant decline in mean plaque score in group A(lecture) followed by Group B(Pamphlet) after three months of intervention. No difference was seen in the control group. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that health education programs promote oral hygiene among school-going children as a significant improvement in mean plaque score reported from baselines to 3 months follow-up. KEYWORDS: Toothbrushing Technique, Dental Plaque, Lecture, intervention, Pamphlet.

COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF CHLORHEXIDINE AND SODIUM BICARBONATE DENTIFRICES IN PLAQUE AND GINGIVAL INFLAMMATION REDUCTION: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objectives: To determine the effi cacy of Chlorhexidine dentifrice compared to Sodium Bicarbonate dentifrice in plaque and gingival Infl ammation reduction. Materials and Methods: From May 2022 to August 2022, a randomized controlled experiment was carried out in the Periodontology Department of Sardar Begum Dental College and Hospital Peshawar. Using WHO formulae for sample size, 98 patients were selected. The age range of the patient was chosen between 13-40 years. The mean age presentation was 19.7 ± 4.9 years. The females were N=56 (57.1%) predominant than males N=42 (42.9%). The patients were placed into two groups of 49 each. Group A received dentifrice containing chlorhexidine, whereas Group B received dentifrice containing sodium bicarbonate. The data was entered into a structured proforma. SPSS 22.0 was used to analyze data. The Chi-Square test was used to compare the means of the two groups. Values of ≤ .05 were considered signifi cant. Results: The mean plaque scores for both groups are shown in Table 7. Group A (Chlorhexidine group) participants had an initial mean plaque score of 2.7, while the plaque score after the intervention was 1.2. The initial mean plaque score was 2.7 in the participants of group B (Sodium Bicarbonate group), while the mean plaque score after intervention was 1.75. This shows that both dentifrices reduced plaque but chlorhexidine was more eff ective than sodium bicarbonate in plaque reduction. Similarly, both (Chlorhexidine and Sodium Bicarbonate) reduced the gingival index score, but chlorhexidine was more eff ective than sodium bicarbonate in reducing gingival inflammation. Conclusion: Both the dentifrices show a significant reduction in both the plaque scores and gingival scores after usage. Chlorhexidine group showed a notable reduction in plaque and gingival scores as compared to sodium bicarbonate.

Effect of Plant-Based Mouthwash (Morinda citrifolia and Ocimum sanctum) on TNF-α, IL-α, IL-β, IL-2, and IL-6 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Plaque Scores of Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

Background and Objectives: To investigate the antiplaque properties of two plant-based mouthwashes, Morinda citrifolia (MC) and Ocimum sanctum (OS), and their effect on TNF-α, IL-α, IL-β, IL-2, and IL-6 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five individuals were recruited according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was structured into two distinct phases. Phase I was a combination of toothbrushing using toothpaste containing fluoride (Protocol A), while Phase II toothbrushing included fluoride toothpaste and use of a mouthwash (Protocol B). For Phase II, individuals participating in this study were allocated into different groups through a randomization process: Group 1-0.12% CHX, Group 2-5% MC, and Group 3-4% OS. Each individual's Phase I and Phase II scores were assessed. GCF was measured in three phases to determine the level of inflammatory biomarkers. The paired t-test evaluated the disparities between the pre- and post-plaque index. Categorical data were subjected to crosstab analysis to assess qualitative variables. The mean values of cytokine levels were presented. An unpaired t-test was employed to assess the levels of cytokines between individuals in Phase I and Phase II. Results: Toothbrushing, fluoride toothpaste, and the supplementary use of mouthwash (Phase II) resulted in mean plaque scores significantly lower than group A (p < 0.001). Cytokines TNF-α, IL-α, and IL-β demonstrated a significant downward trend in herbal mouthwash users. Conclusions: In conjunction with fluoridated toothpaste and brushing, OS and MC can serve as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic mouthwash CHX. This combination demonstrates reducing mean plaque scores and diminishing the levels of cytokines TNF-α, IL-α, and IL-β.

Piperine-Loaded In Situ Gel: Formulation, In Vitro Characterization, and Clinical Evaluation against Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder associated with dysbiosis and characterized by microbiologically related, host-mediated inflammation that leads to the damage of periodontal tissues including gingiva, connective tissues, and alveolar bone. The aim of this study was to develop an in situ gel consisting of piperine. Eight in situ gel formulations were designed by varying the concentration of deacylated gellan gum cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate, and poloxamer-407. The prepared gels were evaluated for gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, piperine-loading efficiency, and piperine release. Finally, the optimized formula was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effectiveness among human patients during a 14-day follow-up. The optimized in situ gel formulation exhibited a gelation temperature of 35 ± 1 °C, gelling of 36 ± 1 s, excellent syringeability, and piperine loading of 95.3 ± 2.3%. This formulation efficiently sustained in vitro drug release for up to 72 h. In vivo studies revealed an efficient sol-to-gel transformation of optimized in situ gel formulation at physiological conditions, permitting an efficient residence time of the formulation within a periodontitis pocket. Most importantly, a clinical study revealed that treatment with the optimized formulation elicited a significant reduction in the mean plaque score (p = 0.001), gingival index (p = 0.003), and pocket depth (p = 0.002), and exerted a potent anti-inflammatory potential, compared to the control group. Collectively, piperine-loaded in situ gel might represent a viable therapeutic approach for the management of gingival and periodontal diseases.

Evaluation of the cleaning efficacy of a normal toothbrush and a manual U shaped toothbrush in children aged 8–10 years: A randomized crossover trial

ABSTRACT Background: Plaque removal rates are influenced by toothbrush design as well as brushing methods. Aim: The study aimed to determine the efficacy of a manual U-shaped toothbrush when compared to a regular toothbrush in removing dental plaque from teeth in children aged 8–10 years. Materials and Methods: Our research included 40, 8–10-year-old children. Stage I included days 0–7, while Stage II covered days 8–15. A disclosing agent was used to identify and score the dental plaque. During Stage I of the study, Group I was given a regular toothbrush, and Group II was given a U-shaped toothbrush. During Stage II of the study, the cross-over of interventions was carried out. Loe-Silness gingival index and Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein index were measured on the 8th and 16th day. Unpaired t-test/independent samples t-test were performed for comparison between the groups. Results: The intergroup evaluation of plaque scores on various surfaces between the two groups revealed statistically significant differences (P = 0.05) between the mean plaque scores at stage I on the labial surface (P = 0.001) and the lingual surface (P = 0.002) between the two groups. Comparing gingival health scores of various surfaces between the two groups, mesial, labial, distal, and lingual surfaces revealed statistically significant differences (P = 0.05) at stage II and lingual surfaces at stage I and stage II, respectively. Conclusion: The experimental U-shape toothbrush significantly reduced the extent of plaque on the lingual surfaces and improved the gingival index scores, which helped improve gingival health and oral hygiene.

Association between neighborhood disadvantage and children's oral health outcomes in urban families in the Chicago area.

The prevalence of childhood caries in urban Chicago, compared with national and state data, indicates that neighborhood context influences oral health. Our objective was to delineate the influence of a child's neighborhood on oral health outcomes that are predictive of caries (toothbrushing frequency and plaque levels). Our study population represents urban, Medicaid-enrolled families in the metropolitan Chicago area. Data were obtained from a cohort of participants (child-parent dyads) who participated in the Coordinated Oral Health Promotion (CO-OP) trial at 12 months of study participation (N = 362). Oral health outcomes included toothbrushing frequency and plaque levels. Participants' neighborhood resource levels were measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Linear and logistic regression models were used to measure the influence of ADI on plaque scores and toothbrushing frequency, respectively. Data from 362 child-parent dyads were analyzed. The mean child age was 33.6 months (SD 6.8). The majority of children were reported to brush at least twice daily (n = 228, 63%), but the mean plaque score was 1.9 (SD 0.7), classified as "poor." In covariate-adjusted analyses, ADI was not associated with brushing frequency (0.94, 95% CI 0.84-1.06). ADI was associated with plaque scores (0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.09, p value = 0.007). Findings support the hypothesis that neighborhood-level factors influence children's plaque levels. Because excessive plaque places a child at high risk for cavities, we recommend the inclusion of neighborhood context in interventions and policies to reduce children's oral health disparities. Existing programs and clinics that serve disadvantaged communities are well-positioned to support caregivers of young children in maintaining recommended oral health behaviors.

Evaluation of different local drug delivery systems in the management of chronic periodontitis: A comparative study

Periodontal disease is an immune-inflammatory disease affecting the soft tissues and alveolar bone and surrounding periodontal tissues. The standard treatment involves scaling and root planing (SRP) which removes the sub gingival microbial deposits effectively and the gingival health is maintained. Sometimes the treated areas may show regrowth of the microorganisms and the non-surgical periodontal treatment alone cannot eliminate the micro-organisms in mild periodontitis cases due to the difficulty in reaching the subgingival areas which are deeper and in complex root morphologies. So now a days the non-surgical periodontal treatment combined with the use of systemic antimicrobial agents and host modulating agents has shown to use effectively in the treatment of periodontal diseases.All the patients who were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis underwent initial therapy i.e., full-mouth scaling and root planing. Then the oral hygiene instructions were given to the patients and were recalled after 1 week (baseline visit). A total of 20 patients who met the inclusion criteria and showed satisfactory condition after the initial therapy with persistent periodontal pockets were included in this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups i.e., Group-A: metronidazole gel (metrogyl) and Group B: tetracycline fibre groups with 10 patients in each group. The periodontal clinical parameters like plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) were evaluated at the baseline visit before the application of local drug delivery and 15 and 30 days after the local drug delivery application.The mean plaque scores were reduced from 1.41±0.04 at baseline to 1.04±0.14 at 30 days. Likewise in Group-B the mean PI scores reduced from 1.50±0.10 at baseline to 1.25±0.18 at 30 days. The mean gingival index scores reduced from 1.41±0.04 at baseline to 1.01±0.04 at 30 days. Likewise in Group-B mean GI Scores reduced from 1.36±0.03 at baseline to 0.99±0.06 at 30 days. The mean PPD scores were reduced from 5.65±0.12 at baseline to 3.15±0.10 at 30 days in Group-A. Likewise in Group-B mean PPD scores reduced from 5.68±0.06 at baseline to 3.26±0.10 at 30 days. This study demonstrated that although thorough SRP is an effective treatment method for elimination of chronic periodontal pockets, improved results can be obtained by adjunctive use of locally administered metronidazole gel and tetracycline fibers.

Comparison of Plaque Removal Efficacy of Modified Bass Technique and Charter’s Technique in Orthodontic Patients

Aim: To compare the efficacy of modified bass technique and charters technique in plaque removal among orthodontic patients. Study design: Single Blind Randomized control trial Place and duration of study: Department of Periodontology, Sardar Begum Dental College Peshawar from 1st July 2022 to 31st December 2022. Methodology: Forty six patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were enrolled. Patients were divided into two equal groups using lottery method. Group A used Modified Bass technique and Group B used Charter’s brushing technique. Plaque scores were measured by principal investigator and were recorded onthe Online Periodontal Chart of University of Berlin. Plaque score was recorded on all sides of the tooth in relation to bracket (mesial, distal, gingival, occlusal) using dental explorer after disclosing plaque by plaque disclosing tablet. Results: There were 24 (52.2%) females and 22 (47.8%) males. The mean plaque score for Group A was 25.76 and for Group B was 27.64, with no statistical difference after the test was applied. Conclusion: The modified Bass and Charters brushing techniques showed similar results in plaque removal efficacy. Scrubbing is the simplest and most often used cleaning procedure. Keywords: Plaque, Fixed appliances, Brushing techniques, Efficacy

Does Providing Story Books to Children Lead to an Improvement in Oral Hygiene in School Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: To assess the effect of giving tooth brushing storybooks along with verbal oral hygiene (OHI) instructions on plaque levels to schoolchildren. Methodology: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a private school in Islamabad from October to November 2022. Children in Class V were selected as the Experimental Group I (Storybooks + OHI), while Class IV children were placed in the Control Group II (OHI alone). There were 20 students in each group. Plaque levels were compared at the baseline (before intervention) and after seven days. Tooth brushing practices were recorded at the baseline. Quantitative variables, such as age and mean plaque score were reported as mean and standard deviation. Categorical variables such as gender and tooth brushing frequency were described as frequencies and percentages. Results: The mean age of the children was 9.6 + 1.08 years. A total of 16 (40%) boys and 24 (60%) girls were included in the study. Children in Group II had significantly better self-reported tooth brushing practices with 16 (80%) children brushing twice a day, as compared to 10 (50%) children from Group I (p = 0.041). There was no difference in the reduction in plaque scores between group I (0.14 + 0.21) and group II (0.08 + 0.21; p = 0.382). Conclusion: Giving story books to children is not an effective intervention to improve the oral hygiene status of children, as compared to oral hygiene instructions alone.

Cleaning Efficacy of Regular, Orthodontic and Electric Toothbrushes around Orthodontic Brackets: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Plaque formation increases when mechanical disruption occurs in the oral cavity’s self-cleaning systems during fixed orthodontic therapy. Hence, it is imperative that oral prophylaxis must be performed with more care in orthodontic patients. This can be efficiently done with the help of toothbrushes. There are various types of toothbrushes such as regular, orthodontic and electric toothbrushes which are most commonly used by patients to maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent plaque accumulation. Aim: To identify which toothbrush has the best cleaning efficiency, when used around orthodontic brackets. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in the laboratory set-up at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The study was conducted for a period of two weeks from 17th January 2022 to 30th January 2022, and used 24 permanent premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes which were divided into three groups: regular, orthodontic and electric toothbrushes. There were eight tooth samples in each group. Following premolar bracket bonding, a biofilm was formed around the teeth using E.faecalis culture in-vitro for three days. The samples were then carefully removed and treated with a disclosing agent before being put through a brushing simulation. The “Plaque index for Orthodontic Patients” (PIOP) index was used to estimate plaque scores before and after brushing based on how much biofilm was remaining on the tooth surfaces. Oneway Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's Post-hoc tests were used to determine the statistical significance. Results: The mean plaque scores after simulation in the toothbrush groups were 3±0.75 (regular), 1.75±0.70 (orthodontic) and 2.37±0.74 (electric). There was a statistically significant difference in mean plaque scores between groups as determined by one-way ANOVA {F(p=0.008)}. A Tukey's Post-hoc test revealed that the cleaning efficacy of orthodontic toothbrushes was statistically significant compared to the other two groups. Conclusion: The orthodontic toothbrushes produced a statistically greater level of tooth-cleaning effectiveness.

Evaluation of peer role models as oral health education providers among school children in Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

India lacks organized school oral health programs, resulting in limited access to oral health care among children. The peer role models, or teachers, may help in bridging the gap to enhance knowledge on self-care preventive practices. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of dental health education (DHE) offered by qualified dental professional, trained teachers, and peer role models in promoting oral hygiene status and behavior among school-going children in Mysuru, Karnataka. This was an interventional study conducted over a period of 3 months in an academic year in three selected schools in Mysuru City, India. A total of 120 students were divided into three groups - group 1 were given DHE (dental health education) by a dental professional, group 2 were given DHE by a trained teacher, and group 3 were given DHE by peer role models. Oral health knowledge was assessed using a close-ended questionnaire, plaque levels were assessed using Turesky Gilmore Glickman modification of Quigley Hein plaque index, and gingival status was assessed using Loe and Sillness gingival index. After 3 months, the same index and questionnaire were used post intervention. The mean scores for knowledge on dental caries at baseline in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 3.75 ± 1.25, 3.65 ± 1.07, and 3.40 ± 1.17, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups, which changed to 4.43 ± 1.27, 3.37 ± 1.14, and 4.93 ± 0.99, respectively, following intervention. Similar results were observed with regard to knowledge on gingival and periodontal diseases. The mean plaque scores at baseline for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 4.17 ± 0.30, 3.24 ± 0.70, and 4.10 ± 0.31, respectively, which changed to 3.85 ± 0.32, 3.90 ± 0.39, and 3.69 ± 0.34, respectively, in three groups following intervention. Post intervention, plaque scores and gingival scores significantly improved in groups 1 and 3 but worsened in group 2. Overall, knowledge scores improved in groups 1 and 3 for some questions, but improvement was not noted in some questions. Under the limitations of the study, it was found that peer role models were as effective as dental professionals in providing DHE in schools.

Periodontitis Patients’ Oral Health Experience and Quality of Life during the Malaysian Movement Control Order-2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has sparked concerns among dental patients due to its high infectivity. The implementation of the Movement Control Order in 2020 by the Malaysian government (MMCO-2020) has added constraints to access to dental clinics and may affect the patients’ status of oral disease. This study aims to investigate the impact of MMCO-2020 on the periodontal health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of periodontitis patients with/out non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A cross-sectional study involving 139 patients with periodontitis was conducted to assess patients’ OHRQoL, oral health problems, and their perceived barriers to access dental treatment during MMCO-2020 using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and questionnaire on oral health-related problems. The overall mean OHIP-14 score was relatively low (10.08 ± 8.861), suggesting that the OHRQoL is generally good during MMCO-2020. However, 44 (31.7%) periodontitis patients score ADD =14, indicating poorer oral health status and greater dental treatment needed. There was statistically significant association between periodontitis patients with comorbidities (i.e., presence of NCDs) with poorer OHIP-14 scores and mean plaque score changes at pre- and post-MMCO, suggesting that special care is required by this group, even during the national lockdown. Of the 45 (32.4%) patients who reported having problems, most (30, 36.1%) decided to “visit the dentist for treatment’. Meanwhile, the most frequent barriers were “could not get an appointment” (14, 34%), “problem is not serious” (13, 39.4%) and “fear of COVID” (9, 27.3%). The MMCO-2020 restrictions on the population had a minimal negative impact on the OHRQoL of patients with periodontal disease, but provisions can be arranged to address the basic and urgent needs of selected periodontitis patients, especially those presented with medical comorbidities. Keywords: COVID-19, Dental Health Services, pandemic, Oral Health, barriers

Comparison of Manual Toothbrushes with Different Bristle Designs in Terms of Cleaning Efficacy and Plaque Control: A Pilot Study.

The aim of the study was to compare the cleaning efficacy and plaque control of the straight and angled bristle design manual toothbrushes. It was a pilot randomized trial comprising 30 dental students divided into 2 groups (group I flat bristle design toothbrush and group II zig-zag bristle design toothbrush) with 15 in each group. Prebrushing and postbrushing plaque scores were recorded at the baseline and at the end of 4 weeks using Turesky modification of Quigley and Hein plaque index. Plaque and gingival scores were reduced significantly at 1 month in group II with P < 0.05 than compared to group I where P > 0.05. Mean GI and plaque scores of the criss-cross design were reduced significantly after 1 month (P < 0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that plaque and gingival scores significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at 1-month interval. Bristle design has significant impact on plaque removal capacity of a toothbrush. Toothbrush with zig-zag bristle design is efficient in removing plaque than the flat design of a toothbrush.

Impact of School-based Oral Health Education on Knowledge, Practice of School Children

Objective: To evaluate the effect of verbal and audiovisual methods of dental health education on knowledge, practice of old school-going children.&#x0D; Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Islamia collegiate Middle School for Boys, Peshawar Pakistan, from Dec 2019 to Feb 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: The study population consists of 272 middle school children aged 10-13 years. After collecting baseline data which consists of a questionnaire regarding knowledge and attitude about oral hygiene followed by recording plaque score,and gingival score, students were randomly allocated into three groups. Group-1 participants received verbal dental health education through charts and pamphlets about oral health, hygiene, and tooth brushing demonstrations. Group-2 received verbal and audio-video sessions about oral hygiene. Group-3(Control-Group) received no intervention. After the intervention,knowledge attitude and plaque score gingival score was assessed.&#x0D; Results: A statistically significant positive change in dental knowledge and practice score was found in the AudiovisualGroup as compared to the Verbal-Group. Post-intervention mean plaque score of the participants was lowered more in the Audiovisual-Group than in the Verbal-Group. In addition, the post-intervention mean gingival score of the participants was lowered more in the audiovisual group than in the verbal group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Short-term oral health education programs, including A-V aids, may be useful in improving oral hygiene and gingival health.