Development of a laboratory model to assess the removal of biofilm from interproximal spaces by powered tooth brushing.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an interproximal laboratory model to compare the potential effectiveness of powered brushing to remove biofilm plaque from interproximal spaces beyond the reach of bristles.


METHODS
Streptococcus mutans biofilms were first grown on glass microscope slides in a drip-flow reactor. The slides were removed and positioned in the interproximal model. Each slide was exposed to 15 seconds powered brushing with either the Sonicare Elite or the Braun Oral-B 3D Excel. The thickness of the biofilm was measured with confocal microscopy at various distances from the bristle tips.


RESULTS
The Sonicare Elite reduced the thickness of biofilm by 57% at a distance of 0-5 mm from the bristle tips, 53% at 5-10 mm and 43% at 10-15 mm, relative to biofilm in areas unexposed to brushing. All reductions in thickness were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The Braun Oral-B 3D Excel reduced the biofilm thickness by 16%, 13%, and 19% at the same distances respectively, but the thickness reductions were not statistically significant from those in the unexposed areas (P > 0.1).
Adams
Heather
H
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
Winston
Matthew T
MT
Heersink
Joanna
J
Buckingham-Meyer
Kelli A
KA
Costerton
J William
JW
Stoodley
Paul
P
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012212:Rheology; D013010:Sonication / Q000295:instrumentation; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014070:Tooth / Q000382:microbiology*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014743:Videotape Recording