Use Of Dental Floss Research Articles

Effects of 0.2% Hyaluronic Acid Gel-Impregnated Dental Floss on Clinical Gingival Parameters: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

Gingivitis is a common inflammatory lesion caused by the build-up of oral biofilm and is an essential precursor to periodontitis. For its treatment, oral hygiene habits, such as dental flossing, must be improved, and adjunctive materials, such as hyaluronic acid, may be used to reduce plaque formation and gingival inflammation. This study aimed to assess the effects of 0.2% hyaluronic acid gel-impregnated dental floss on the clinical periodontal markers of patients with gingivitis. This clinical study adopted a split-mouth, randomised controlled trial design. After clinical data were assessed at baseline, and supragingival scaling was performed, bilateral gingivitis regions were randomly allocated to either the hyaluronic acid gel-impregnated floss group or just the floss group using a computer-generated randomisation table. Clinical parameters were recorded at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Over the 4-week trial period, all patients showed significant improvements in all clinical periodontal markers. The 1-week plaque index, 4-week gingival index and 4-week papillary bleeding index were significantly lower in the test group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The use of hyaluronic acid-impregnated dental floss has resulted in more significant improvements in clinical periodontal parameters compared to dental floss alone. For ease of use, ready-made products with this innovative formulation may be produced. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06307041.

The Effect of Flossing Techniques on Gum Health and Caries Prevention

Gum health and caries prevention are important aspects in maintaining overall oral health. Flossing technique or the use of dental floss is known as one of the effective methods for cleaning areas between teeth that are not reached by a toothbrush. This study aims to analyze the effect of flossing technique on gum health and caries prevention. This study used an experimental method involving 100 respondents who were divided into two groups, namely the group that routinely flossed and the control group that only relied on a toothbrush. Data were collected through gum health examinations using the gingival index and caries detection through clinical examinations for 3 months. The results showed that the group that routinely flossed experienced a significant decrease in the level of gum inflammation compared to the control group. In addition, the flossing technique was also proven effective in reducing plaque formation between teeth, which is the main factor causing caries. In conclusion, the flossing technique has a positive effect on gum health and can play an important role in caries prevention. Therefore, the use of flossing is recommended as part of an oral hygiene routine to support optimal dental and gum health.

The influence factors on pit and fissure sealing behavior of 12-year-old children: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang, China

BackgroundIn the 21st century, dental caries remains a global burden, particularly severely affecting the growth and quality of life of 12-year-old children. Fortunately, pit and fissure sealing (PFS) procedures can effectively prevent molars from caries. Hence, this study focused on the relationship between PFS and oral epidemiological factors in 12-year-old children.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 12-year-old children from 11 cities in Zhejiang Province. Their dental conditions were collected through questionnaires, as well as basic information such as relevant family information, oral health knowledge and behavior. Then, logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors associated with PFS.ResultsA total of 1204 children were included, with 252 in the PFS group and 952 in the non-PFS group. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score, first permanent molar DMFT score, residential area, educational level of parents, tooth-brushing frequency, use of dental floss, oral examination in a medical institution, having taken courses on oral health care, as well as having knowledge that tooth brushing could effectively prevent gingival inflammation, PFS could protect teeth, and oral disease may affect general health. According to further logistic regression analysis, the independent factors influencing PFS included use of dental floss [odds ratios (OR) = 1.672, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.235–2.263, P = 0.001], having taken courses on oral health care (OR = 0.713, 95% CI = 0.515–0.988, P = 0.042), having knowledge that tooth brushing is effective in preventing gingival inflammation (OR = 0.627, 95% CI = 0.389–0.987, P = 0.044) and having knowledge that PFS can protect teeth (OR = 0.589, 95% CI = 0.438–0.791, P < 0.001).ConclusionPFS can reduce the mean DMFT score of 12-year-old children. Independent influencing factors of PFS consist of use of dental floss, having taken courses on oral health care, oral health behavior and knowledge level.

Eficacia de un programa de salud bucal para cuidadores de personas con discapacidad

Objective: Determine the level of knowledge of caregivers of people with disabilities about oral health before and after applying a program of educational workshops on the subject. Methods: It was a quasi-experimental study of direct intervention, longitudinal, with control before and after, with non-probabilistic sampling. An educational oral health program for caregivers of people with disabilities was developed, applied, and evaluated through a survey before and after its implementation, in 111 caregivers, as well as the evaluation of the Oral Hygiene Index of their relatives with disabilities, in the period from October to December 2020. Results: Before the intervention, 9.9% of people with disabilities attended the dentist every six months, which increased to 76.5%. Before the program, 102 people only used toothbrushes and toothpaste for oral cleaning, after 109 continued using the same products, however, the use of dental floss increased by 7 people. The Oral Hygiene Index remained regular, although it decreased from 2.30 to 1.68. Conclusion: The application of the oral health program had a favorable impact on caregivers, improving the knowledge regarding oral hygiene of their relatives with disabilities, improving the Oral Hygiene Index.

Investigating the Relationship between Oral Health and Severe Mental Illness: Analysis of NHANES 1999-2016.

To explore whether: (i) people with severe mental illness (SMI) experience worse oral health than the general population, and (ii) the risk factors for poor oral health in people with SMI. Cross-sectional data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2016), including on self-rated oral health, oral pain, tooth loss, periodontitis stage, and number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth. Candidate risk factors for poor oral health included demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, physical health comorbidities, and dental hygiene behaviours. Ordinal logistic regression and zero-inflated negative binomial models were used to explore predictors of oral health outcomes. There were 53,348 cases included in the analysis, including 718 people with SMI. In the fully adjusted model, people with SMI were more likely to suffer from tooth loss (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.34-1.92). In people with SMI, risk factors identified for poor oral health outcomes were older age, white ethnicity, lower income, smoking history, and diabetes. Engaging in physical activity and daily use of dental floss were associated with better oral health outcomes. People with SMI experience higher rates of tooth loss than the general population, and certain subgroups are particularly at risk. Performing regular physical exercise and flossing may lower the risk of poor oral health, while smoking and diabetes may increase the risk. These findings suggest opportunities for targeted prevention and early intervention strategies to mitigate adverse oral health outcomes in people with SMI.

The regulatory effect of zinc on the association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundZinc has been proven to be effective against periodontitis, and also reported to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aims to explore the regulatory effect of zinc intake on the association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic regression model was used to explore the association between zinc-RDA or periodontitis and 10-year ASCVD risk ≥ 20%, and results were shown as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The regulatory effect of zinc intake on the association between periodontitis and 10-year ASCVD risk ≥ 20% was also assessed using logistic regression model. Subgroup analysis was performed based on age, gender, obesity, education level, lipid-lowering therapy, and dental floss.Results6,075 patients were finally included for analysis. Zinc intake reaching the recommended level (OR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.69–0.98) and periodontitis (OR = 2.47, 95%CI: 2.04-3.00) were found to be associated with 0.82-fold and 2.47-fold odds of 10-year ASCVD risk ≥ 20%, respectively. In addition, we found that the odds of 10-year ASCVD risk ≥ 20% was lower in patients with zinc intake reaching the recommended level than those without [OR (95%CI): 2.25 (1.81–2.80) vs. 2.72 (2.05–3.62)]. The similar regulatory effect was found in patients with age ≥ 60 years and < 60 years, in male and female, with or without obesity, in different education levels, with or without lipid lowering therapy, and with or without use of dental floss (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study found the regulatory effect of adequate zinc intake on the association between periodontitis and ASCVD, providing guidance for periodontitis patients to decrease the risk of ASCVD.

Effectiveness of dental floss in the management of gingival health: A 6-month follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

To evaluate, (i) if subjects submitted to a structured oral hygiene training program (OHt) maintain adopted habits over 180 days without professional guidance; and (ii) in perspective whether flossing provides additional benefits to toothbrushing on gingival health. Seventy-five adult subjects showing approximately 40% proximal gingival bleeding were randomized to receive OHt (1 session weekly over 8 weeks) using toothbrush and dental floss or toothbrush alone. The subjects were then followed over 180 days without professional guidance. Primary outcomes were mean interproximal Gingival Index (GI) and GI = 2 (gingival bleeding). Mixed linear models were used for the comparison between groups (p < 0.05). 68 subjects received OHt, 48 subjects completed the 180-day follow-up. Subjects maintained adequate oral hygiene routines. Besides a reduction in gingival inflammation, no alterations in gingival status were observed among groups, subjects additionally instructed to use dental floss showing a mean interproximal GI = 2 of 12.8 ± 2.5 compared with 19.8 ± 2.2 for subjects limited to tooth brushing alone. OHt intensive training promotes gingival health and maintenance lasting at least 6 months without professional supervision reinforcing important principles: (i) dental health professionals should dedicate time training and motivating their patients to reach adequate self-performed plaque control; and (ii) the adjunctive use of dental floss appears essential to reduce interproximal gingival inflammation in subjects with intact interdental papillae. Dentists need to invest time in training/motivating/engage their patients to achieve adequate OH; adjunct flossing in subjects with papilla filling the interdental space appears essential to reach and maintain gingival health. GOV : (53831716.5.0000.5346). The protocol registration was filed May 9, 2018 (# 538,311,716.5.0000.5346) on ClinicalTrials.gov. An NCT number (NCT04909840) was generated upon completed registration.

Oral Health Awareness and Oral Hygiene Practices among Married Women of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective Awareness of mothers about oral health and their oral hygiene practices may benefit both maternal and infant oral health. This study assessed the oral health awareness and oral hygiene practices among married females. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 430 females using a self-administered close-ended questionnaire that was distributed through WhatsApp application. Chi-squared test and t-test were applied with significance level of p-value less than or equal to 0.05. Results Three hundred and fifty-six females responded to the survey. Ninety percent women brushed their teeth daily, 52% used dental floss, and 58% used mouthwash. Seventy-nine percent patients visited a dentist when had a dental problem. Females more than or equal 75% think that dentist visit is important or consider it safe and 34% had visited the dentist during pregnancy. Sixty-eight percent women think that incidence of oral disease increases during pregnancy, and 42% agreed that oral disease affect the baby's oral health. Sixty-seven percent were aware that women could develop pregnancy gingivitis and 8% think that poor oral health can lead to birth of premature baby. Mothers with less than or equal to 10 years of married life have shown significantly (≤0.04) higher knowledge and good oral hygiene practices than other older mothers. Regression analysis showed a significant (p ≤ 0.035) relationship between incidence of oral disease in pregnancy with married life years; effect of oral disease on baby' health with age and occupation; use of dental floss with income and living area; knowledge of pregnancy gingivitis with number of children; effect of bad oral hygiene on pregnancy outcome with income; and dentist visit during pregnancy with married life years. Conclusion Females with higher education, less years of married life, and higher number of children were better aware of oral health and oral hygiene practices and its effect on their baby's oral health.

Volatile sulfur compounds in asthmatic children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study in breath and saliva.

Halitosis in children implies psychosocial repercussions. Risk factors associated with this condition are unclear, and detection methods are inaccurate. To quantify the levels of sulfur-like compounds in children with asthma and healthy children from a novel validated assay, and to establish the risk factors related to halitosis. One hundred and twenty-eight individuals (63 healthy and 65 asthmatic) from 3 to 17 years of age were tested using a passive colorimetric sensor to measure the levels of sulfur-like compounds in breath and saliva. Information was collected on oral hygiene habits, gingival and dental health, breathing type, and dental malocclusion. The mean values of hydrogen sulfide were 4.0 ± 6.8 and 19.7 ± 12.2 ppbv (parts per billion in volume) in the control and asthmatic groups, respectively (p < .001). The presence of higher concentrations of sulfur compounds was significantly associated (p < .05) with the presence of gingival inflammation, tongue coating, dental plaque, mouth breathing, hypomineralization, age, tongue brushing, and the use of dental floss. The level of sulfur in breath and saliva was significantly higher in patients with asthma. These results can serve as a precedent to raise awareness among paediatricians and parents about oral hygiene care in children and adolescents.

Machine learning to predict untreated dental caries in adolescents

ObjectiveThis study aimed to predict adolescents with untreated dental caries through a machine-learning approach using three different algorithmsMethodsData came from an epidemiological survey in the five largest cities in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, consumption of unhealthy foods and behaviours (use of dental floss and toothbrushing) were collected using Sisson’s theoretical model, in 615 adolescents. For the machine learning, three different algorithms were used: (1) XGboost; (2) decision tree and (3) logistic regression. The epidemiological baseline was used to train and test predictions to detect individuals with untreated dental caries, through eight main predictor variables. Analyzes were performed using the R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). The Ethics Committee approved the study..ResultsFor the 615 adolescents, xgboost performed better with an area under the curve (AUC) of 84% versus 81% for the decision tree algorithm. The most important variables were the use of dental floss, unhealthy food consumption, self-declared race and exposure to fluoridated water.ConclusionsFamily health teams can improve the work process and use artificial intelligence mechanisms to predict adolescents with untreated dental caries, and, in this way, schedule dental appointments for the treatment of adolescents earlier.

Investigating the prevalence of halitosis and its associated factors amongst the general population of Karachi, Pakistan.

To assess the prevalence of halitosis among the general population of Karachi, and to identify factors contributing to its occurrence. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2022 in Karachi after approval from the ethics review board of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, and comprised the adult population of Karachi. Data was collected online using a questionnaire that was piloted before its link was distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire evaluated the association of demographic features with self-perceived halitosis on the basis of which factors predictive of halitosis were determined. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. Of a total of 342 subjects, 182(53%) were females and 160(47%) were males. There were 141(41$) subjects aged 18-25 years, and 166(48%) were graduates. Overall, 240(70%) subjects reported to have self-perceived halitosis. Age, monthly household income, niswar and tea consumption, irregular use of dental floss and tongue cleaning were associated with higher incidence of halitosis (p<0.05). Carrying water bottle while outside was associated with decreased halitosis (p=0.007). Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, sinusitis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension and mental stress were associated with halitosis (p<0.05). Higher monthly household income and daily use of dental floss predicted lower odds of halitosis (p<0.05). Maintaining good oral hygiene and hydration reduced, while comorbid conditions increased the probability of halitosis.

Evaluation of Periodontal Status and Oral Health Habits with Continual Dental Support for Young Patients with Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a congenital disorder associated with impaired blood clotting. Routine dental intervention to prevent oral bleeding in patients with hemophilia is considered important, but its effectiveness remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of continual dental support on periodontal status and oral health habits in young patients with hemophilia. Of the 168 young patients with hemophilia who visited our clinic for 5 years, we selected subjects who had visited annually since 2015 and were in the mixed and permanent dentitions. To evaluate the periodontal status of these subjects, Community Periodontal Index (CPI) values in the molars and anterior teeth were measured. In addition, a questionnaire regarding oral health habits, including floss use, frequency of brushing by parents, and attending a family dentist, was administered to the subjects and their parents. In the patients with mixed dentition, the CPI values for the upper right molars and lower left central incisor decreased significantly in later years compared with the first year (p &lt; 0.05). In the patients with permanent dentition, only one year recorded a significant decrease in CPI values compared with the first year (p &lt; 0.05), localized in the upper right molars. The results of the questionnaire revealed that continual dental support improved dental floss use and the frequency of brushing by parents only in the mixed dentition group. Furthermore, these oral health habits significantly affected CPI values only in the mixed dentition group (p &lt; 0.01). These results suggest that continual dental support improves the periodontal condition and oral health habits of hemophilic patients, especially those with mixed dentition.

Association among physical activity, anxiety and oral health status in Chinese university students: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundEvidence is limited regarding the relationship among physical activity, anxiety, and oral health in Chinese university students. This cross-sectional investigation aimed to assess the potential relationship between physical activity, anxiety, and oral health conditions among university students in China. MethodsAn online questionnaire measuring physical activity, anxiety status, and oral health condition was completed by 1604 university students. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were selected to evaluate physical activity and anxiety, respectively. Oral health condition was assessed through several self-reported variables, including self-reported toothache, gingival bleeding, frequency of tooth brushing, and use of dental floss. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the underlying relationship between outcome variables. The control variables included age, height, weight, gender, whether only one-child, education level, parental education level, smoking status, drinking habits, and length of sleep. Path analysis was conducted to disentangle the association between physical activity, anxiety, and oral health conditions. ResultsAmong 1604 university students, 666 (41.5 %) were males and 938 (58.5 %) were females, with an average of 21.9 ± 2.8 years. Only 833 (51.9 %) reported sufficient physical activity, while 684 (42.6 %) of the subjects displayed varying degrees of anxiety. Self-reported gingival bleeding was associated with insufficient physical activity (OR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.02–1.55), anxiety (OR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.27–0.74), frequency of tooth brushing (OR = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.60–0.95) and use of dental floss (OR = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.59–0.96), while toothache was not directly influenced by the physical activity and anxiety among university students. Anxiety markedly mediated the relationship between physical activity and oral health conditions. ConclusionsAnxiety was considered a factor associated with the level of physical activity, tooth brushing habits, and self-reported gingival bleeding among university students. Further investigations are required to elucidate whether oral health conditions could be enhanced through the improvement of anxiety and physical activity.

Association between acculturation, dental floss use, dental visits and unmet dental needs among Asians in the United States: Findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018.

The objectives of this study were to examine the associations between acculturation and dental floss, regular dental visits and unmet dental care needs among Asian Americans, as well as the moderating effects of these associations. This study analysed national representative samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. A total of 2763 Asian Americans aged 20 and older were included in this analysis. The primary predictor, acculturation score, was determined by three questions: (i) language spoken at home (higher score for English), (ii) country of birth (higher score for United States) and (iii) length of time in the United States. Dental floss use, dental visits and unmet dental care needs were included as outcomes in this study. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to analyse the samples. Acculturation was significantly associated with dental health behaviours: Individuals with higher levels of acculturation were more likely than less acculturated individuals to use dental floss (81.0% vs. 63.9%, respectively) and visit the dentist regularly (76.7% vs. 66.9% respectively). Insurance status moderated the association between acculturation and dental visits: Acculturation was significantly associated with dental visits in the past year among insured individuals (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.29-2.23), but not among uninsured individuals. Unmet dental care needs were present in 11.1% of participants. While costs and insurance were the top two determinants of access to care, individuals with and without insurance differed with regard to their third major reason for unmet dental care needs: Being 'too busy' and not wanting to spend money on dental care. Among the Asian population in the United States, those with high acculturation scores were more likely to engage in dental flossing and visit the dentist regularly compared to those Asians with lower acculturation scores. To encourage dental flossing and regular dental visits among Asians with lower acculturation scores, cultural adaptation and language accessibility suggests being considered. Future research is necessary to confirm the moderating effect of insurance status on the association between acculturation and regular dental visits. Additionally, our findings emphasize the impact of costs and insurance on access to dental care among Asians in the United States, highlighting the importance of future public health programmes in addressing these barriers.

Impact of Dental Anxiety on Dental Care Routine and Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life in a German Adult Population-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The interaction between dental anxiety and the establishment of a consistent dental care routine has been an ongoing challenge. Unfortunately, there is limited available data concerning the detailed dental care practices of individuals with dental anxiety. Therefore, this study aims to explore how dental anxiety influences dental care habits and oral-health-related quality of life within an adult population. By utilizing the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and the German Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G5), we assessed their extent. To evaluate the differences, we performed analyses of variance (Anova), an independent t-test and rank correlation. The findings of this study unveil a significant correlation between elevated DAS scores and reduced frequency of tooth brushing; calculus removal and appointments for professional teeth cleaning. Interestingly; the use of dental floss and mouthwash solution as well as toothbrush hardness appeared to be not significantly affected by dental fear. Moreover, individuals with dental anxiety demonstrated a preference for manual toothbrushes over electric ones. In addition, higher DAS scores were found to be strongly associated with greater OHIP-G5 scores, thus leading to a substantial decline in overall oral health-related quality of life.

“You should brush your teeth better”: a randomized controlled trial comparing best-possible versus as-usual toothbrushing

BackgroundMost people’s tooth brushing performance is deficient, even when they are encouraged to brush to the best of their abilities. The aim of the present study was to explore the nature of this deficit by comparing best-possible vs. as-usual brushing.MethodsUniversity students (N = 111) were randomly assigned to receive one of two instructions: “brush your teeth as usual” (AU-instruction) or “brush your teeth to the best of your abilities” (BP-instruction). Video analyses assessed brushing performance. The marginal plaque index (MPI) assessed after brushing was used as an indicator of brushing effectiveness. A questionnaire assessed subjectively perceived oral cleanliness (SPOC).ResultsParticipants in the BP group brushed their teeth longer (p = 0.008, d = 0.57) and used interdental devices more often (p < 0.001). No group differences emerged in the distribution of brushing time among surfaces, the percentage of brushing techniques used beyond horizontal scrubbing, or the appropriate use of interdental devices (all p > 0.16, all d < 0.30). Plaque persisted at the majority of the sections of the gingival margins, and the groups did not differ in this respect (p = 0.15; d = 0.22). SPOC values in the BP group were higher than those in the AU group (p = 0.006; d = 0.54). Both groups overestimated their actual oral cleanliness by approximately twofold.ConclusionsCompared to their usual brushing effort, study participants increased their effort when asked to brush their teeth in the best possible manner. However, that increase in effort was ineffective in terms of oral cleanliness. The results indicate that people’s concept of optimized brushing refers to quantitative aspects (e.g., longer duration, more interdental hygiene) rather than qualitative aspects (e.g., considering inner surfaces and gingival margins, appropriate use of dental floss).Trial registrationThe study was registered in the appropriate national register (www.drks.de; ID: DRKS00017812; date of registration: 27/08/2019 - retrospectively registered).

Dental Health Knowledge Attitude and Practice Among University of Calabar Students.

Introduction Oral health has been linked to aspects of individual knowledge, attitude, and practices. In Nigeria, the increased prevalence of poor oral hygiene has been attributed behavioral factors. Behavioral aspects that include the increased intake of sugary foods and beverages, and lack of proper oral hygiene have been touted as the main causes of poor oral hygiene among university students. The knowledge of oral health is vital owing to its contribution to better oral health; however, unless students develop good oral habits and attitudes and subsequently put them into practice, very little will be realized with regard improvement in oral health and hygiene. Objective This research aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental care among the University of Calabar students. Method This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data from 430 student participants in a university using a multi-stage random technique. An inferential statistical approach was adopted to test the relationships represented in the tables. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences, version 20.0. Result The study included 430 participants, 239 (55.6%) females and 191 (44.4%) males. The survey revealed that 94% of the 404 respondents agreed that poor dental care can cause dental diseases, while only 6% disagreed. Regarding excessive drinking of water, 91% of the respondents agreed that it cannot cause dental disease, 4.2% agreed it could, and 4.8% did not know. Furthermore, 60.2% of the 430 respondents acknowledged that genetic inheritance could cause dental disease, while 21.4% disagreed, and 18.4% did not know. Finally, 74.9% of the respondents knew that trauma to the teeth could cause dental disease, while only 9.3% thought that trauma could not cause illness to the teeth. Regarding attitude to dental care, 232 (54%) respondents agreed that visiting the dentist was necessary, while 164 (38.1%) strongly agreed. Only eight (1.9%) strongly disagreed, while five (1.2%) disagreed that visiting the dentist was necessary. Moreover, 82% of the respondents agreed that bad breath was associated with poor dental care, with 195 (45.3%) respondents strongly agreeing and 158 (36.7%) agreeing. However, 37 (8.6%) disagreed, and 16 (3.7%) strongly disagreed, while 24 (5.6%) were indifferent. As regards practice, most respondents used the up-down technique when brushing their teeth (62.8%), while 17.4% brushed left-right and 19.8% used both methods. Moreover, 67.4% of the respondents brushed twice daily, 26.5% brushed once daily, and only 6.1% brushed after every meal. About half of the students spent one to three minutes brushing their teeth (50.5%), while the other half spent more time. Over half of the students replaced their toothbrushes every three months (57.7%), with the most common reason for replacement being the fraying of bristles. However, the use of dental floss was found to be low. Conclusion The utilization of dental care facilities was low among most University of Calabar students, who did not see the need for dental clinic visits unless they had dental needs. The lack of dental visits was attributed to perceived high dental costs and a lack of time. Targeted interventions and educational programs that address these barriers could promote better oral hygiene practices among the students.

EVALUATION OF A COMBINATION OF GINGIVAL PHYSIOTHERAPY, FLOSSING, AND BRUSHING TECHNIQUE THROUGH IN-OFFICE OBSERVATION

Objective: Oral physiotherapy is described as the maintenance of oral hygiene, and its goal is the daily, full elimination of plaque with the least amount of work, time, and equipment feasible.&#x0D; Methods: Materials and procedures In order to evaluate the brushing time, the effective duration of brushing, the brushing pattern, the order of sextants, and the use of dental floss, 30 patients aged 18 to 65 were divided into two groups, one without prior instruction, and the other in which the technique of modified Stillman brushing and flossing was explained to them.&#x0D; Results: Despite instruction in hygiene techniques, better results of instruction were found in the control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Brushing technique was clearly preserved in the control group, although 10% had deficiencies. With this method, we can demonstrate the effectiveness of teaching a certain brushing technique only to typodont patients, probably, some additional method would strengthen the oral physiotherapy skills of the patient.

Comparative evaluation of effectiveness of calibrated inter-dental brushes in maintaining oral hygiene and periodontal health: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Effective oral hygiene is a crucial factor in maintaining good oral health, which is associated with overall health and health-related quality of life. The control of biofilm is the common pillar of the prevention and control of periodontal disease. The interdental brush (IDB) currently represents the primary and most effective method available for interproximal cleaning compared with brushing alone or the combined use of tooth brushing and dental floss. Methods: A total of 40 participants, with 10 each in control and test group, participated in the study. Clinical examination of gingival index, full mouth bleeding scores and plaque index were recorded supra gingival scaling was performed. Test group- interdental brushes were given and oral hygiene instructions were given through Touch-to Teach method (TOP). At 4 week and 6 week follow up oral hygiene instructions were repeated to respective groups. After 3 months, clinical examination was done and exit survey on patient-reported outcome measures was administered. Results: Intergroup comparison of gingival index, plaque index and pocket probing depth showed statistically significant difference between test and control group. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, we concluded that the appropriate use of interdental brushes along with effective oral hygiene maintenance using TOP permitted proper cleaning of the area with a significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis.

Oral health behavior and oral health service utilization among cancer patients in China: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Oral health plays an important role in overall health. But there is scarce information available on oral health behavior and oral health service utilization among cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate oral health behavior and oral health service utilization among different population groups of cancer patients in China. A multicenter cross-sectional study in three tertiary hospitals was conducted to explore the oral health behaviors and oral health service utilization of 162 cancer patients in China. We investigated a total of 162 cancer patients, 81 from urban and rural areas, respectively. The participant's ages ranged from 18 and 82 years, mean age was 44.62 years (SD = 15.72). Overall, cancer patients have poor oral health behaviors and limited oral health service utilization. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between urban and rural cancer patients in terms of oral health behaviors, including brushing methods, the use of fluoride toothpaste, the use of dental floss, dental caries, and bleeding gums while brushing teeth. As for oral health service utilization, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between urban and rural cancer patients on regular dental cleaning, the reasons for visiting a dental clinic, and whether they took the initiative to learn about oral health. The study findings suggest that cancer patients had poor oral health behaviors and limited oral health service utilization, and rural patients perform poorer than their urban counterparts. Oral health education should be provided to cancer patients to improve their oral health behaviors and oral health service utilization.