Plaque removal by dental floss or toothpicks

Abstract. The amount of plaque accumulation was assessed in an intraindividual study comprising 10 individuals. During different 2-week periods, the test subjects used nylon floss (unwaxed, waxed and specially treated), silk floss (unwaxed and waxed), Superfloss®, or triangular toothpicks for interdental tooth cleaning. Only teeth in contact with neighboring ones and with open interdental spaces were included in the study. The plaque removal of the interdental aids used was registered by estimating the amount of plaque present at the end of each experimental period according to a Plaque Index (Silness & Löe 1964) modified for plaque registration on 10 surface units around each tooth. In general, dental floss had a higher plaque removing potential than triangular toothpicks, especially on lingual axial surfaces.     

A comparative study of effectiveness in plaque removal by Super Floss® and waxed dental floss

The effectiveness of Super Floss and waxed dental floss as proximal surface cleansing agents was compared in 34 subjects. Each subject used 1 agent twice daily for 2 weeks followed by the other agent used with the same frequency and for the same period. The order in which the agents were used was selected at random. Plaque was stained by erythrosin, and a plaque index of Wolffe used. Super Floss was found to be superior to waxed dental floss in removing proximal plaque, but neither was 100% effective. Some plaque was present in 49.9% of the proximal surfaces when Super Floss had been used and on 54.7% when the waxed dental floss had been used. Both agents cleaned distal surfaces better than mesial surfaces, proximal surfaces of anterior teeth more effectively than those of posterior teeth, the coronal half of the proximal surfaces better than the apical half and the facial half more efficiently than the lingual half. No differences were found between maxillary teeth and mandibular teeth. Subjects used more lengths of Super Floss than of waxed dental floss, indicating its relative 'brittleness'. However, the majority of subjects preferred Super Floss, mainly because it was thicker and felt more abrasive.     

A comparison of proximal plaque removal using floss and interdental brushes

The removal of interproximal plaque was compared using a standard toothbrush alone, a toothbrush with unwaxed dental floss and a toothbrush with an interdental brush. 30 previously treated periodontal patients were given the cleaning aids in a three-way crossover study design. After each 1 month trial period, scores for gingivitis, buccal/lingual plaque and proximal plaque were recorded. Mean GI scores for subjects were 0.37 using the toothbrush only, 0.36 using the toothbrush with floss and 0.32 using the toothbrush with the interdental brush. Mean buccal/lingual plaque scores were 0.64 using the toothbrush only, 0.62 using the toothbrush with floss and 0.51 using the toothbrush with the interdental brush. Mean plaque scores were 2.32 with the toothbrush only, 1.71 using the toothbrush with floss and 1.22 using the toothbrush with the interdental brush. Statistically significant differences were seen in proximal plaque scores between the 3 treatment groups. The results indicate that the interdental brush used in combination with a toothbrush is more effective in the removal of plaque from proximal tooth surfaces than a toothbrush used alone or in combination with dental floss.     

The effectiveness of 3 types of dental floss for interdental plaque removal

Abstract. The relative effectiveness of waxed dental floss, dental tape and Superfloss as proximal plaque removal aids were compared in 20 subjects. Each subject used each of the three interdental aids for I week. The order of use was randomly selected. Interdental plaque scores were recorded at baseline, weeks 1, 2 and 3. At the end of week 3, subjects answered a questionnaire to ascertain their subjective responses to the 3 types of dental floss they had used. The use of all 3 types of dental floss resulted in significant improvement in mterproximal plaque scores compared to baseline scores. Improvement in plaque scores, in decreasing order were: dental tape, dental floss and Superfloss. Dental tape was significantly more efficient than Superfloss ( p = 0.003). There were no significant differences observed between the effectiveness of dental tape and waxed floss ( p = 0.059). and waxed dental Hoss and Superfloss ( p = 0.143). Regardless of the type of dental floss used, patients removed plaque more efficiently from buccal inter-proximal areas compared to lingual/palatal interproximal areas ( p < 0.001) and from anterior teeth than posterior teeth ( p < 0.001). Subjective responses indi-cated that 50% of subjects preferred dental tape. 40% waxed dental floss and only 10% preferred Superfloss.     

The relative effectiveness of plaque removal by the Proxabrush and rubber cone stimulator.

The effectiveness of two agents in plaque removal from the proximal surfaces of teeth was studied in 30 subjects with large interproximal spaces. The Proxabrush was more effective than the rubber cone stimulator in its ability to remove proximal plaque, but neither achieved complete removal. Both agents cleaned incisor teeth better than posterior teeth, mesial surfaces better than distal surfaces, facial halves better than lingual halves and coronal halves better than apical halves of proximal surfaces. No differences in gingival health were detected. A majority of the patients preferred the Proxabrush.     

Comparison between water flosser and regular floss in the efficacy of plaque removal in patients after single use

ObjectiveThe objective was to compare water flosser and regular floss in the efficacy of plaque removal in patients after single use.Materials and MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare the plaque removal efficacy of water flosser and regular floss. Eighty three subjects who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from dental clinic. Silness and Löe plaque index was measured for all the subjects prior to and after the intervention by an examiner who was blind to the type of aid used. The type of floss used was randomly assigned to each side of the oral cavity; unflavored waxed regular floss (oral B) used on one side, while a water flosser (Waterpik® Cordless Plus Water Flosser) was used on the other side. A trained investigator used either unflavored waxed regular floss or water flosser as assigned. Paired t-test was used to compare between the two groups.ResultsThe mean plaque scores at baseline were 1.10(±0.38) and 0.94(±0.38) respectively for regular floss and water flosser. The mean plaque scores were 0.12(±0.13) and 0.12(±0.15) respectively for regular floss and water flosser. There was no statistically significant difference in the plaque scores (p = 0.58) between the groups after the use of respective interdental aids. There was a statistically significant difference in the plaque scores before and after use of interdental aids for both the groups (p < 0.001). Reduction in plaque scores for regular floss and water flosser groups was 89.09% and 87.23% respectively.ConclusionThe results showed that water flosser was as efficient as regular floss in removing interdental plaque on single use. Water flosser could be recommended for subjects lacking manual dexterity, by care takers for better plaque control and subjects with fixed prostheses or undergoing orthodontic treatment.     

含氟牙线牙周临床效果初探

对５８名志愿者随机分为Ａ、Ｂ两组，每人全口牙分为用牙线侧（Ａ１或Ｂ１）不用牙线侧（Ａ２或Ｂ２）。Ａ１用含氟牙线，Ｂ１用不含氟牙线。结果显示：用牙线１周后，各组受试者菌斑指数（ＰＬＩ）、牙龈出血指数（ＢＩ）均数都明显降低（Ｐ〈０．０１）。各组间差异无显著性（Ｐ〉０．０５）。但龈下菌斑中螺旋体的比例（Ｓ％）仅用含氟牙线的Ａ１降低显著（Ｐ〈０．００１）。停用牙线１周后，各组ＰＬ１、ＢＩ均数都有回升，Ａ１     

Efficacy of plaque-removal using interdental brushes and waxed dental floss

Abstract – The plaque-removing efficacy when using waxed dental floss and three interdental brushes was compared in an intraindividual clinical trial. Nine adult patients treated for periodontal disease, with a reduced but healthy periodontium and large interdental spaces were subjects in the study. Each subject tested the four interdental cleaning aids in random sequence over a 2-wk period. The duration of the study was 8 wk. The results indicated that the use of interdental brushes is preferable to that of dental floss in cleaning interdental areas where the papilla is missing. No difference in achieved cleanliness was noted after use of the different interdental brushes tested. No gingival damage or damage to the hard tissue of the teeth was observed after use of interdental brushes or dental floss.     

Use of dental floss by Finnish students

In order to elucidate dental care behavior related to interdental cleaning, a group of first-year students were invited to a free dental examination. 186 of the students invited (76%) were examined clinically and roentgenologically. The mean DMFS-index of the students was 22.6 (+/- 12.6). They were also asked about their use of dental floss. 35% of the students reported using dental floss, but only 2% reported daily usage. 45% of the students had been taught how to use dental floss, and 83% of these had been taught by dental personnel. Teaching had no effect on the reported frequency of use. There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of dental plaque and gingivitis between those who used dental floss and those who did not. The subjects were unable to use dental floss on 1 out of every 3 filled proximal surfaces of the first molars. No correlation could be found between dental caries experience and the reported use of dental floss.     

In vitro polishing effectiveness of interdental aids on root surfaces

The purpose of this study was: to determine whether polishing standardized proximal root surfaces with dental floss, Superfloss, wood and plastic interdental cleaners, using a polishing paste, produces any significant change on root surface roughness; and to determine the effectiveness of different number of strokes in polishing. 80 tooth specimens were prepared, 10 in each of 8 sample groups. Each proximal root surface was standardized with 600A grit silicone carbide paper and polished with either waxed dental floss, Superfloss, wood or plastic interdental cleaners, using alkali aluminum silicate polishing paste. All specimens were mounted on a flossing machine and polished with 10 or 20 strokes. Before and after polishing, measurements were recorded with the Surfanalyzer 150 System to produce profile and average roughness tracings. Average maximum peak heights, mean number of peaks, and mean average roughness values were calculated from the tracings. The data were analyzed statistically by paired t-test and Student t-test. No significant mean differences were found between the number of strokes used. No significant differences were found for waxed dental floss in relation to the values analyzed. Significant differences were found for maximum peak heights for Superfloss following 20 strokes of polishing. However, no significant differences were found for Superfloss for mean number of peaks and average roughness. Significant differences were found for average roughness values, maximum peak heights, and mean number of peaks for the wood and plastic interdental cleaners. It was concluded that root surface roughness increased significantly with the use of wood and plastic interdental cleaners but not with waxed dental floss or Superfloss.     

The effect of tensile strength on the clinical effectiveness and patient acceptance of dental floss.

This study compared the clinical effectiveness and subjective approval of 2 waxed dental flosses that differed significantly in tensile strength and wax content. At the initial appointment, subjects (20 1st-year dental students) were instructed to stop interproximal cleaning on 2 contralateral quadrants in order to allow plaque to accumulate on these surfaces for 1 week. 1 week later, subjects were instructed to begin flossing these 2 contralateral quadrants with 1 of the 2 types of floss for the next 1-week period, while withdrawing interproximal cleaning on the opposite 2 contralateral quadrants. After flossing these 2 quadrants for 1 week, the subjects began flossing the opposite 2 contralateral quadrants with the same floss. After 2 weeks of flossing contralateral quadrants, the 1st floss was withdrawn and replaced with the alternative floss for another similar 2-week trial period. At the end of each 2-week trial period, subjects completed subjective questionnaires concerning the floss they had used during the previous 2-week period. Pre- and post-flossing plaque indices were calculated for each week for both flosses, and compared statistically by a repeated measures analysis of variance. The results showed that both flosses significantly reduced interproximal plaque deposits, and had equal subjective approval. However, neither the greater-strength nor the lower-wax content of the experimental floss was associated with an increase in clinical effectiveness or with a change in subjective approval.     

Resolution of interdental inflammation with 2 different modes of plaque control

BACKGROUND, aims: The aim of the study was to assess the effect on existing plaque and gingivitis of an oral hygiene regimen which utilizes triclosan/copolymer and to compare it with a regimen which uses interdental cleaning devices to control the interdental inflammation. METHOD: For this investigation, 39 subjects were recruited. They were examined for plaque and gingivitis using the criteria of Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein index and the papillary bleeding index. Plaque and gingivitis were only scored interdentally. Following the baseline examination, the subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The control group used a dentifrice identical to the test dentifrice but without triclosan/copolymer; subjects in this group were taught to brush their teeth with the modified Bass technique and were instructed to additionally use appropriate interdental cleaning devices. The test group used a dentifrice containing triclosan/copolymer (Colgate Total). They were not instructed to use interdental cleaning devices. RESULTS: Both groups were re-examined after 4 weeks, and 4 and 7 months. In both groups, plaque and gingivitis levels were modestly reduced, more pronounced in the anterior and less in the posterior teeth. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation demonstrated that a dentifrice containing triclosan in combination with a copolymer can reduce plaque and gingival inflammation to levels comparable to regular interdental cleaning.     

电子牙刷清除牙菌斑效能的评价

目的 通过临床试验评价电子牙刷清除牙菌斑的效能。方法 以自身对照的交叉设计实验测试了２１名自愿者刷牙前后菌斑指数。结果 实验前,实验组与对照组平均０‘Ｌｅａｒｙ菌斑指数分别为６５．７０和６６．１０,刷牙２ｍｉｎ后各降至３４．３６和４０．４６。经针对性指导后再刷牙１ｍｉｎ,两组指数降为２１．５３和２４．５２。结论 电子产普通牙刷清除菌斑的效率高,正确的刷牙方式较牙刷种类更为     

Knowledge and awareness assessment of cross-contamination of dental floss containers in King Saud University dental hospital clinics

IntroductionInfection control procedures are implemented in dental clinics to reduce the risk of cross-contamination; saliva, blood, or airborne droplets containing infective agents are example of direct contamination, while indirect exposure via contact with contaminated surfaces and dental equipments such as dental chair, tray, faucet, air syringe, suction tip, gutta percha, paper points, retraction cords, and dental floss containers. Dental floss is known to be an integral part of most dental procedures.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding cross-contamination of dental floss containers among a selected population of dental assistants in dental clinics at King Saud University (KSU).Material and MethodsA swab was taken from 60 dental floss containers selected by simple random sampling among 60 different dental clinics at KSU and culture test was done using a charcoal transport swab to identify the type of bacteria that might be present on the dental floss containers. Also a Google forms questionnaire which consisted of 20 multiple choice questions, including demographic questions on gender, nationality, and professional experience, followed by questions to evaluate different infection control concepts and practices.ResultsThis study included 70 dental assistants, most of whom were female (94.3 %). A significant number (41.4 %) of the dental assistants have never heard of OSHA course, and most of them (77.1 %) have never taken an OSHA course. Some participants who attended > 2 infection control courses (37.8 %) did not disagree that it is a waste of material to use new gloves to clean each clinic. Regarding the laboratory results for the collected samples, the highest frequency was noted for Staphylococcus hominis (27.8 %).ConclusionThe present study concluded that there is still further need for implementation of infection control programs and raising more awareness regarding this subject.