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- Title
Comparison of the Use of a Toothpick in a Toothpick Holder to Dental Floss in Improvement of Gingival Health.
- Authors
Lewis, Maurice W.; Selders Jr., Robert J.; Holder-Ballard, Cassandra; Scarbecz, Mark; Turner, Edgar W.
- Abstract
Purpose: In light of the current trend toward host modulation of inflammatory response in periodontal therapy, it is important to control the bacterial challenge to the host immune system through conventional therapy and improvement of personal oral hygiene. Toothbrushing and flossing are currently the standard methods for achieving adequate plaque control. While studies show that people are generally compliant with daily toothbrushing, they are less likely to use dental floss daily. This purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dental floss and the use of a toothpick in a toothpick holder as determined by chance in specific indices used to measure gingival health. Methods and Materials: Potential subjects were solicited from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's faculty, students, staff, and dental school patient population. Those with clinical gingivitis or mild periodontitis were included in the study sample. O'Leary Plaque Index, Interproximal Plaque Index (IPI), and Eastman Interdental Bleeding Index (EIBI) scores were recorded at baseline and at each following appointment. Fifty-five subjects (42 females, 13 males) ranging in age from 18 to 50 were randomly assigned to either a dental floss group or a toothpick in a toothpick-holder group. Subjects were individually instructed in the use of the assigned plaque removal device and were examined at weeks two, six, and 12 from baseline. Results: At 12 weeks, 27 floss users and 20 toothpick in a toothpick-holder users completed the study. For both groups, plaque index scores were lowered as the study progressed. Mean O'Leary Plaque Index scores decreased significantly for both methods from baseline to week 12 (P < .05). The EIBI and IPI mean scores decreased over time for each method (P < .05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that dental floss users and toothpick in a toothpick holder users were both effective in removing plaque and in decreasing gingival bleeding scores. The use of either could result in improving gingival health.
- Publication
Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2005, Vol 79, Issue 4, p1
- ISSN
1043-254X
- Publication type
Academic Journal