A comparison of the efficacy and ease of use of dental floss and interproximal brushes in a randomised split mouth trial incorporating an assessment of subgingival plaque.
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have compared the use of interdental brushes and dental floss. However, none have attempted to compare their effects on subgingival plaque. Nor have smokers been excluded from previous studies, where they may have affected the assessment of gingival inflammation.


METHODS
The present study compared, in untreated patients suffering from mild to moderate periodontitis, the efficacy of dental floss (DF) and interdental brushes (IDB) in the reduction of plaque, gingival inflammation and probing depth in a one-month period prior to subgingival debridement. Ten patients used DF for one side of the dentition and IDB for the other side for one month. Oral hygiene instruction was given at baseline. Measurements were made at baseline and at one month.


RESULTS
With IDB, the mean approximal plaque score reduced supragingivally from 14.5 to 5.7 at one month, and with DF, from 12.9 to 5.3; subgingivally the score reduced from 17.3 to 6.7, and 16.7 to 8.1 respectively (p < 0.001). BOP and mean probing depth reduced over time for IDB sites, but not DF sites (p < 0.01). Overall there were no differences between the two devices. Patients preferred IDB because of its simpler method of use.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of IDB and DF resulted in similar beneficial effects on subgingival plaque and proximal gingival health.
Noorlin
Ishak
I
Department of Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Floor 21,Guy's Tower, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's & St Thomas' Hospitals, Guy's Campus, London SE1 9RT, UK.
Watts
Trevor L P
TL
D000328:Adult; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000517:prevention & control; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000517:prevention & control; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome