Plaque formation and removal assessed in vivo in a novel repeated measures imaging methodology.
OBJECTIVE
A repeated measures digital imaging technique (Digital Plaque Image Analysis) was used to assess variations in plaque formation, including levels of plaque developed following evening and morning tooth brushing with a standard dentifrice, to establish a baseline for future assessments of antimicrobial formulations.


METHODS
Following a rigorous oral hygiene period, subjects were provided with a standard commercial (non-antibacterial) dentifrice and manual toothbrush and instructed to brush b.i.d., as normal. On six separate days over two weeks, subjects reported at three times for a daily plaque assessment: in the morning before oral hygiene, post-brushing, and in the afternoon post-brushing.


RESULTS
Morning plaque levels covered approximately 10% of the measured dentition, and plaque was removed by 75% with morning tooth brushing. Plaque underwent rapid regrowth during the day, and averaged approximately 7% coverage by the afternoon.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the value of Digital Plaque Image Analysis in recording diurnal plaque variations and treatment effects, and suggest that assessment of oral hygiene efficacy (either mechanical or chemopreventive) accounts for diurnal variations in plaque formation. In addition, the results suggest that plaque regrowth and virulence activity overnight is a significant target for oral hygiene interventions.
White
Donald J
DJ
The Procter and Gamble Company, Health Care Research Center, Mason, Ohio, USA. White.dj.1@pg.com
Kozak
Kathy M
KM
Baker
Rob
R
Saletta
Lisa
L
D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005452:Fluoresceins; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D023861:Photography, Dental; D012824:Silicic Acid; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005452:Fluoresceins; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D014100:Toothpastes; C546060:hydrated silica gel-based toothpaste; D012824:Silicic Acid; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D012969:Sodium Fluoride