Showing papers on "Oral hygiene published in 1975"

Periodontal treatment of multirooted teeth. Results after 5 years.

Abstract: This paper describes: (1) a system for classification and treatment of furcation involvements, and (2) a 5-year post-operative evaluation of 100 patients treated for periodontal breakdown in the bi/tri-function areas. The results of this study demonstrate that it is possible to arrest further destruction within the root furcation area. The successful treatment of the multirooted teeth was probably the consequence of: (1) the quasi total elimination of plaque retention areas from the bi/tri-furcation area, and (2) meticulous oral hygiene by the patients.

Effect of professional tooth cleaning on healing after periodontal surgery.

Abstract: The investigation was undertaken to find out whether favourable conditions for healing after periodontal surgery would develop in patients whose oral hygiene was professionally maintained at a high standard. The study was performed on 20 patients with advanced periodontal disease. Following an initial examination, comprising plaque index and gingival index scoring, measurement of pocket depths and loss of attachment, the patients were randomly distributed between a test and a control group. The patients first received professional cleaning of the teeth once every 2 weeks. The patients of the control group were recalled for scaling of the teeth once every 6 months. All patients were reexamined after 6, 12 and 24 months. It was found that the control patients were unable to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene with the result that the treatment of the periodontal disease failed. The patients of the test group maintained a high standard of oral hygiene, and the treatment of the periodontal disease was, therefore, successful.

Motivation and education

Abstract: It was thought for many years that successful motivation in oral health should be based on the knowledge of epidemiology of caries and periodontal diseases and the methods of prevention One should learn from mistakes: 95 per cent of the Swiss population "suffers" from caries and periodontal disease but apparently this had little impact on prevention Simple, world-wide accepted methods of prevention are not used by the majority although they provide a pronounced reduction of caries and gingivitis The number of Swiss communities which offer adequate preventive programs to schoolchildren ranges between 5 to 10 per cent Although the budgets of school dental services could be lowered by 75% Reasons for such failures may be inadequate information of dentists, authorities and the population Not enough information is spread regarding sugarless sweets, or prevention by fluoride Unsuccessful motivation probably also lies in the inadequate assignment of the roles ofthe patient, his dentist and the social security So far only the dentist has formulated oral health duties to the patient, eg a better oral hygiene, a reasonable healthy nutrition In the future the patient should have the right to ask the dentist some questions Is his dentition at the end of a treatment, healthy and ready to render hygienic efforts effective? Patient, doctor and insurances should know that disease still exists if gingival papillae bleed upon using a toothpick Absence or presence of gingival bleeding are the criteria for health or disease A check list of the state of oral health and a signed questionnaire concerning the patient's knowledge of oral health are used to improve motivation of both patient and dentist

Experimental gingivitis in young and elderly individuals.

Abstract: The development of experimental gingivitis was studied in young elderly humans during a 21-d period of oral hygiene abstention. The state of the gingiva was assessed by the Gingival Index and by measurements of the amount of gingival exudate on filter paper strips placed at the entrance of the gingival sulcus of the lower lateral incisors and cuspids. Soft deposits were assessed by the Plaque Index and by differential counts of microorganisms in gram stained smears od ento-gingival plaque. At the end of the plaque growth period, the patients were given a thorough dental prophylaxis. Gingival condition and plaque were assessed at regular intervals during a subsequent period of controlled oral hygiene. The development of gingivitis during the oral hygiene abstention period was more rapid and more severe in old than in young individuals. Plaque accumulation was greater in the older persons. A definite difference in plaque consistency was alos observed. However, microscopic counts of various types of microorganisms did not reveal any differences throughout the period of plaque accumulation. When active oral hygiene was reinstituted, the state of the gingiva rapidly returned to pre-experimental levels in both groups. The findings of this study indicate that with age ther is an altered host response to the microorganisms of the plaque.

The clinical and histological response of periodontal pockets to root planing and oral hygiene.

Abstract: The study evaluated, clinically and microscopically, the soft tissue response of suprabony periodontal pockets treated by root planing and oral hygiene or by oral hygiene measures alone. The participants were 22 adults beginning treatment for inflammatory periodontal disease. For each patient, three clinically similar labial or lingual pockets were scored for gingival inflammation, pocket depth, and the extent of plaque and calculus. One pocket in each patient served as a control, and a gingival biopsy was obtained to determine the pretreatment level of inflammation. The second pocket was treated by root planing and by the patient's oral hygiene measures. The third pocket was treated only by the patient's daily oral hygiene measures. Fifty-six to 63 days later, treated areas were reevaluated clinically, and biopsies were secured. Each type of therapy reduced the mean pocket depth and the incidence and severity of gingivitis; however, root planing accompanied by oral hygiene measures resulted in a statistically greater improvement than did oral hygiene measures alone.

Effect of fluoride on gingivitis and dental caries in a preventive program based on plaque control.

Abstract: The purpose of the investigation was to estimate the relative effect of fluoride on caries in a preventive program based on meticulous plaque control. The material consisted of 82 children; 41 in the test and 41 in the control group. At the start of the study the children were 13-14 years of age. In August 1973 an examination was performed to obtain baseline data for the trial. Prophylactic treatment was given to the children once every second week. A total of 18 treatments were given during a 10-month period. In the control group an abrasive paste was used containing 5% sodium monofluorophosphate (Jodka Fluor Polerpasta). In the test group an abrasive paste was used which was identical with the control paste except that it did not contain any fluoride components. Twelve months after the baseline examination the test and control groups were reexamined. The trial demonstrated that, in children, fortnightly professional cleaning of the teeth combined with meticulous toothbrushing instructions result in (1) a high standard of oral hygiene and (2) only very few new carious surfaces. Though the control group children received fortnightly topical application of F- during the prophylactic sessions and used a fluoridated dentifrice, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding number of new carious tooth surfaces per child per year.

Effect of proper oral hygiene on gingivitis and dental caries in Swedish schoolchildren

Abstract: The present paper reports the effect of a 3-year study of regularly repeated professional toothcleaning on oral hygiene status, gingivitis, and dental caries At the initiation of the study in 1971, the children were 7-8 years old (Group 1), 10-11 (Group 2) or 13-14 (Group 3) The children were divided into test and control groups Before the study all the children were examined regarding oral hygiene, state of the gingiva and dental caries Throughout the 3-year period the controls brushed their teeth with a 02% sodium fluoride solution once a month under supervision During the first 2 years of the trial all the children of the test groups were given professional oral prophylaxis once every second week during the school terms During the third year the interval between consecutive prophylactic sessions was prolonged to 4 weeks in Groups 1 and 2 and to 8 weeks in Group 3 The results demonstrated that regularly repeated professional cleaning of the teeth combined with fluoride applications and toothbrushing instructions, over a 3-year period in schoolchildren resulted in the establishment and maintenance of excellent oral hygiene standards Inflammation of the marginal gingiva almost entirely disappeared, and practically no new carious lesions developed

Effect of timed hygienic measures on oral mucosa in a group of elderly subjects.

Abstract: A study was conducted to identify and compare the effect produced on oral mucosa by the application of oral hygiene by the use of either a toothette or a toothbrush at two-, three-, or four-hour intervals during an eight-hour period for ten days. The sample consisted of 48 geriatric patients randomly selected from an extended care facility. Two investigators were responsible for scoring nine dependent variables--salivation, tongue moisture, tongue color, moisture of palates, color of gingiva, condition of membranes, lip texture, lip moisture, and soft tooth debris-- twice daily. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results of the study indicated significant improvement in six dependent variables in the four-hour interval groups. In the two-hour interval groups, two dependent variables were improved significantly. The toothbrush was more effective in stimulating gingival tissue and removing soft tooth debris; the toothette was found to be more effective in producing improvement in other oral tissues.

Effect of listerine on dental plaque and gingivitis.

Abstract: The present study was performed in 10 adults in order to evaluate the effect of an antiseptic mouthrinse (Listerine) on the rate of dental plaque formation and gingivitis development during a 2-week period when all efforts towards active mechanical oral hygiene were withdrawn. The study was performed as a crossover study and was carried out during four consecutive 2-week periods. During the first and third periods (preparatory periods) the participants were subjected to repeated professional tooth cleanings in order to establish plaque- and gingivitis-free dentitions. During the second and fourth periods (test and control periods) the participants were not allowed to brush their teeth but rinsed their mouths three times a day with Listerine or a placebo mouthwash. Plaque Index, Gingival Index, gingival fluid flow, and crevicular leukocytes were assessed on d 0, 2, 4, 7, and 14. On d 7 and 14, dental plaque was removed from the right and left jaws respectively and the wet weights determined. The chemotactic activity elaborated by the plaques was studied in Boyden chambers. During the Listerine test period, significantly lower Plaque and Gingival Index values were scored and lower amounts of plaque could be sampled in comparison to the control period.

Application of chlorhexidine by oral irrigation systems.

Abstract: — Low concentrations of chlorhexidine (0.006%) were found to inhibit plaque formation when 750 ml was applied twice daily by oral irrigation systems. The procedure took 1–2 min and may be a convenient method of maintaining oral hygiene in patients in whom normal mechanical cleansing is difficult.

The effect of a chlorhexidine‐containing gel on oral cleanliness and gingival health in young adults

Abstract: Students at a vocational school participated in a double-blind, cross-over study to test the effect of brushing with a 1% chlorhexidine-containing gel once a day. In the control period, a placebo gel was used. Each treatment period lasted for 4 weeks. This was subsequently followed by 4 weeks of ordinary toothbrushing. Any toothbrushing additional to the therapeutic brushing was performed with a standard commercial dentifrice without abrasives. In addition to the treatment groups, containing a total of 24 subjects, another group of 12 subjects received standardized oral hygiene instruction. Oral hygiene and gingival condition were assessed in all groups throughout the study. The chlorhexidine-containing gel seemed to have no effect on gingivitis and only a slight inhibitory effect on plaque formation. Furthermore, an increase in the degree and frequency of staining of the tooth surfaces related to the use of active gel were observed.

Effect of a xylitol chewing gum on plaque quantity and quality.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to further investigate the plaque-reducing effect of a xylitol-containing chewing gum. Ninety-six dental students were divided randomly into three groups: a sucrose group (n = 32), a xylitol group (n = 36) and a control group (n = 28), using a sucrose-containing chewing gum, a xylitol-containing chewing gum, or no chewing gum, respectively, during a three-day experimental plaque growth period with restricted oral hygiene. The fresh weight of plaque collected in the xylitol group was 40% lower than in the sucrose group, along with a significantly lower mean plaque index. The use of the xylitol chewing gum induced low invertase-like activity in plaque extra-cellular phase together with low carbohydrate content. These results concur to indicate advantageous effects through the use of a xylitol-containing chewing gum.

Effect of chlorhexidine on dental plaque and gingivitis in mentally retarded children.

Abstract: The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinses as a supplement to toothbrushing in the plaque control of mentally retarded children. Fifty-four mentally subnormal children 7–14 years of age took part in the investigation. During the first period, half of the children rinsed their mouths with 0.2 % chlorhexidine gluconate solution twice a day. The rest of the children used a placebo mouth-rinse. After an 8-week interval a “cross-over” experiment was carried out during which a 0.1 % chlorhexidine solution was used. Plaque and gingival indices were scored at the beginning of each period, after 3 weeks, and at the termination after 6 weeks. The results revealed that mouthrinses with 0.1 % as well as 0.2 % chlorhexidine gluconate reduced plaque and gingivitis in mentally retarded children. The results were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for both concentrations. Furthermore, the investigation confirmed the occurrence of certain side effects such as discoloration of teeth and tongues.

Dental prophylaxis procedures in control of periodontal disease in Lucknow (rural) India.

Abstract: Frequent professional scaling and regular tooth brushing are the main public health measures available for preventing and controlling periodontal disease but their frequency and efficacy are still incompletely understood. This investigation was carried out on 1,416 rural children and 189 factory workers in Lucknow area in the age groups 14 +/- 1, 17 +/- 1 and 28 +/- 2 years of age to evaluate the optimum requirement of these measures to the extent they will be economical and usable in the public health programs. The prevalence of gingivitis and periodontal disease in Lucknow children and adult samples was found to vary between 93 to 100%. Periodontal disease (including gingivitis and loss of attachment) and calculus accumulation showed considerable reduction (P less than 0.01) with any type of treatment. Scaling alone will not reduce the plaque formation for which regular tooth brushing is essential. Yearly and half-yearly scaling along with tooth brushing instructions will considerably improve and maintain the oral hygiene thereby reducing the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, plaque, and calculus accumulations. However, more intensive measures (quarterly prophylaxis) will further improve the periodontal health and reduce calculus accumulation. The apical migration of the epithelial attachment can practically be stopped by rendering scaling half yearly, without any instructions in oral hygiene and elimination of dental plaque.

Comparisons of poverty and nonpoverty groups on dental status, needs, and practices.

Abstract: Poverty and nonpoverty adults have been screened in a program of Multiphasic Health Testing in which dental examinations were provided and in which information on dental care behavior was obtained through a health inventory using a video-terminal for recording replies. Findings of the dental examination indicate that, whatever measure of oral health was used, oral health of the poverty group was poorer than that of the nonpoverty group. The poverty group, for example, had more dental problems, and the problems they had were more severe. They also had lower levels of oral hygiene and less restorative treatment. The poverty group also was more likely to be edentulous, and to have higher levels of untreated decay and periodontal diseases. They had more missing teeth, and fewer restored teeth. Nearly all poverty-nonpoverty differences persisted when the data were controlled for age and sex. Information from the health inventory indicates that the poverty group is less likely than those in the nonpoverty group to seek dental care in general, and also specifically for rreventive dental services. Even among the nonpoverty group, however, one third stated that they never sought dental care for "cleanings or checkups." Daily toothbrushing, on the other hand, was generally reported by both poverty-status groups. Consistent relations were found between oral health practices and oral health in both poverty and nonpoverty groups...

Effect of mouth rinsing and toothbrushing with fluoride solutions on caries among Norwegian schoolchildren

Abstract: The caries experience and the plaque and gingival conditions of 14-year-old children participating in fortnightly fluoride (0.2 % NaF) mouth rinsing (88 subjects) were compared with observations in children performing supervised toothbrushing with a fluoride (0.5 % NaF) solution 4-5 times per year (n = 90). Most of the children, 84 and 90% respectively, had participated in these programs for the previous 6 years. Caries was assessed only on radiographs. The mean number of decayed surfaces was 5.8 (s.d. = 4.1, n = 88) and 5.4 (s.d. = 4.1, n = 90). The mean numbers of decayed and filled surfaces were 19.3 +/- 9.2 and 27.9 +/- 10.2 for subjects with rinsing or brushing. This significant difference could not be ascribed to sex, social class, years of residence in the towns, number of dentists performing the previous treatments, toothbrushing habits, use of fluorides at home, or amount of plaque. All children had gingivitis. There were no differences in the mean number of Plaque Index score 2 or the number of Gingival Index score 2 between the children with the different preventive programs. The girls' oral hygiene was better than the boys', but the gingival conditions were the same. Sex, social class, and toothbrushing techniques tended to have a slight influence on the amount of plaque.

An oral hygiene measurement system for possible research and clinical use

Abstract: A new hygiene index has been developed that it is felt better meets the requirements for individual patient analysis than other indices. Examiner subjectivity is reduced by scoring tooth surfaces as clean (0) or dirty (1), determining a percentage of "dirty" surfaces which then becomes the Hygiene Analysis Index. Tested on a group of dental students it appears to discriminate adequately between the various levels of mouth hygiene.

The Effect of an Antimicrobial Mouthwash on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis in Young Adults

Abstract: The effectiveness of an antimicrobial mouthwash (alexidine, 2-ethylhexyl bisbiguanidine dihydrochloride) in preventing plaque and gingivitis was evaluated in 45 young male adults. In a study using a double-blind cross-over design, subjects received a thorough prophylaxis and refrained from all routine oral hygiene for 2 weeks. During this period, subjects rinsed twice daily with either a treatment (alexidine) or placebo mouthwash. Plaque and gingivitis were assessed on selected teeth on days 2, 7 and 14. The characteristics of plaque that were recorded include: surface area score, dry weight and differential counts of microorganisms. After the 14th day, subjects resumed their regular oral hygiene practices for 3 weeks before starting the second experimental period. Aftter a second prophylaxis, the treatment and placebo groups from the first 2 weeks were crossed over and the procedures followed previously were repeated during the sixth and seventh weeks. The alexidine mouthwash was statistically and clinically effective in decreasing plaque scores and plaque weight, and statistically but not clinically effective in decreasing gingivitis scores. No systemic side effects were observed, but an asymptomatic brown tongue stain was observed in about half of the subjects. There was no evidence to suggest that alexidine disturbed the relative composition of the microorganisms in plague, but there was a suggestion that it decreased the number of microorganisms almost 2-fold when compared with the placebo group.

Effect of Tongue Brushing on Formation of Dental Plaque

Abstract: The effect of tongue brushing on formation of dental plaque was studied in two groups of dental hygiene students. In one of the groups plaque formation during a 4-day period of no oral hygiene procedures was compared to a 4-day period of tongue brushing as the only hygiene procedure. In the other group tongue brushing as an adjunct to tooth brushing was evaluated on plaque formation during 7-day periods of partially ineffective tooth brushing. Both experiments failed to show any effect of the tongue brushing on plaque formation.

Teachers as models in programs for school dental health; an evaluation of "The Toothkeeper".

Abstract: An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Toothkeeper program was performed in Houston to determine if participation in the program by elementary school children would result in their having cleaner teeth and better gingival health than seen in similar children not in the program. Assessments for plaque and gingivitis were made at the beginning, at the completion of the formal 16-week program, and again after a second 16-week period. In this particular setting, the Toothkeeper was found to be ineffective. Possible reasons for the ineffectiveness of the program are discussed and several suggestions for modifying the program are offered.

Clinical study of iodine as a chemotherapeutic agent for the control of dental plaque and gingivitis in man.

Abstract: The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of the local use of iodine solution as a chemotherapeutic agent on the degree of dental plaque formation and ongingival status in the presence and absence of mechanical oral hygiene. Thirty-six male dental students, 20 freshmen and 16 sophomores, at Case Western Reserve University, participated in the study. All subjects received a prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction to reduce their plaque and gingival scoeres before the start of the experiment. The 20 freshmen dental students were selected for the test of iodine used in a form of mouthwash. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a 0.02% iodine mouthwash, the other a placebo solution of distilled water. Each student was randomly assigned to brush and floss the right or left side of his dentition once daily. The students rinsed with 7.5 ml. of the assigned solution twice daily. The 16 sophomore dental students were selected for the test of iodine applied topically on the tooth surfaces. The subjects were assigned to a randomized block design in which each quadrant received one of the following treatments daily: topical application of iodine solution (2.0% I2 and 2.4% NaI) with brushing and flossing, brushing and flossing only, topical application of iodine solution only, and topical application of distilled water only...

Oral irrigating devices; an appraisal of current information.

Abstract: Dr. Astwood has performed a service for dentists in dental public health by his critical and informative examination of a relatively new aid for the oral hygiene of patients