Periodontal pathogens of the interdental microbiota in a 3 months pregnant population with an intact periodontium

Steroid hormones and the oral microbiota of pregnant women both appear as cumulative risk factors for gingivitis. This cross-sectional study, using real-time PCR, investigated the composition and diversity of the microbiota in interdental spaces of 3 months pregnant women with intact periodontium according the 2018 EFP/AAP classification. Bacteria identified were belonged to the red (Porphyromonas gingivalis Treponema denticola, and Tanerella forsythia), orange (Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, and Parvimonas micra), and green (Eikenella corrodens and A. actinomycetencomitans) Socransky complexes. Approximatively 109.11 bacteria were counted per interdental space in pregnant women. Bacteria from the red complex represented 33.80% versus 62.81% for the orange group versus 3.39% for the green group of the total number spread over the 3 groups. Dietary habits and physical activity did not have a significant impact on interdental microbiota, although a decrease in the median amount of 9 periodontopathogens was observed when fruit and vegetable consumption increased. Pregnant women who brushed their teeth at least twice a day had lower counts of total bacteria and 9 periodontal pathogens than those who brushed less. In 3 months pregnant women at high risk of periodontal disease (>30% bleeding sites), the dendogram revealed 2 clusters of the 9 periodontopathogens. This provides further support for the "key pathogen" hypothesis, among which Porphyromonas gingivalis plays a key role, indicating that specific bacteria in limited quantities can influence the host immune system and convert the microbiota from symbiotic to dysbiotic to induce inflammatory disorder. As a result, this study reported that 3 months pregnant women with healthy periodontium had high levels of interdental bleeding and a dysbiotic microbiota with periodontal pathogens of the Socransky orange and red complexes. These subjects were therefore potentially at increased risk of developing periodontal disease and, consequently, an adverse pregnancy outcome. So, preventive oral prophylaxis measures, in particular individual interdental prophylaxis, should be implemented as soon as pregnancy is established.

Effectiveness of a Sonic-Flosser Toothbrush with a Different Size Brush Heads and Manual Toothbrush plus Dental Floss on Plaque, Gingival Bleeding and Inflammation in Adults with Naturally Occurring Gingivitis: A 4-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of three oral hygiene groups: a novel sonic-flosser toothbrush with a compact brush head, a novel sonic-flosser toothbrush with a full size brush head and manual toothbrush plus dental floss on the reduction of gingival bleeding after 4 weeks. Secondarily, the groups were compared on the reduction of gingival inflammation and dental plaque.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and five (n=105) healthy adults were enrolled in this randomized, examiner-blind, three-group, parallel clinical trial. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: sonic-flosser toothbrush with full size brush head (SFF), sonic-flosser toothbrush with compact brush head (SFC), or manual toothbrush and string floss (MTF). Bleeding on probing (BOP), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) scores were recorded at baseline, 2-weeks, and 4-weeks.

RESULTS

All subjects completed the study. All three groups demonstrated a significant reduction in BOP, MGI and RMNPI from baseline to 4-weeks for all areas recorded (p<0.001), except gingival margin plaque scores for SFF, SFC and MTF (p=0.203, p=0.082, p=0.324 respectively). Both the SFF and SFC groups were statistically more effective than MTF for whole mouth BOP, MGI and RMNPI (p<0.001) and proximal areas (p=0.022 or less). There were no adverse events reported by the subjects or identified by the examiner during the study.

CONCLUSION

The sonic-flosser toothbrush with a full size or compact brush head was statistically and clinically more effective at improving gingival health and reducing plaque than manual toothbrush and dental floss for adults with naturally occurring gingivitis over 4-weeks.

Evidence-based strategies for interdental cleaning: a practical decision tree and review of the literature

<p>Objectives: Although several studies have investigated the effectiveness of various interdental cleaning devices, there is a need for an evidence-based synopsis for clinicians to customize interdental hygiene instructions and provide specific devices for each patient. This literature review aims to establish an evidence-based decision-making tree recommending individualized approaches to interdental cleaning based on embrasure size and patient-specific conditions.<br /> Data sources: Specific keywords related to interdental cleaning were used to search and identify the existing literature in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Through a series of review processes, qualifying studies were identified and assessed with respect to the inclusion criteria to establish the decision tree.<br /> Results: A total of 27 studies were included to support a decision tree. Traditional dental floss continues to remain the first choice for individuals of high motivation and good ?manual dexterity with type I closed embrasures. For individuals with closed embrasures, but lack of motivation and/or dexterity, the use of easy flossers, soft picks, oral irrigation, and small (0.6 to 0.7 mm) interdental brushes are alternatives. For individuals with type II and type III open embrasure spaces, an interdental brush has the highest evidence for its effectiveness to remove interdental plaque. However, two studies showed that residual plaque could be found over lingual embrasur?es and thus lingual approach of the interdental brush is sometimes needed. The use of gum stimulators and/or woodsticks continues to be supported when significant gingival inflammation is present.<br /> Conclusion: Each patient should be individually assessed and given tailored oral hygiene home care instructions for the most effective outcomes. The proposed decision tree provides clinicians with an evidence-based guideline to help customize the use of interdental cleaning devices for each patient.</p>.

Contemporary practices for mechanical oral hygiene to prevent periodontal disease

It is well established that dental plaque on teeth leads to gingivitis and periodontitis, and that several mechanical and chemical methods of plaque control can prevent gingivitis. The aim of the current review is to summarize and synthesize the available scientific evidence supporting practices for mechanical oral hygiene to prevent periodontal diseases. Evidence for contemporary practices of mechanical oral hygiene to prevent periodontal disease relies on studies of gingivitis patients. General recommendations concerning the ideal oral hygiene devices and procedures are still inconclusive. However, toothbrushing and interdental cleaning remain the mainstays of prevention of periodontal diseases. The primary approach requires individually tailored instruction for implementation of a systematic oral hygiene regimen.

An Overview of Different Interdental Cleaning Aids and Their Effectiveness

Optimisation of plaque control is essential for the success of non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. This cannot be achieved with brushing alone; hence, there is a need for adjunctive interdental cleaning aids. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of different interdental cleaning aids and review the literature for consensus on their effectiveness. A literature search of articles in English, up to December 2018, was conducted in Pubmed. High-quality flossing is difficult to achieve, and ineffective routine use of floss may not confer significant benefits over brushing alone. Interdental brushes are more effective than brushing as a monotherapy. They are at least as good if not superior to floss in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Although they are effective for patients regardless of their periodontal status (healthy or active), they are especially indicated in periodontal patients where widened embrasures are common. Added benefits include ease of use, patient acceptance, and recontouring of interdental tissues. Rubberpiks do not demonstrate inferiority to conventional interdental brushes. Wooden interdental aids appear to offer no significant advantage over brushing with respect to plaque removal; they may, however, reduce gingival bleeding. Oral irrigators are a promising tool for reducing gingival inflammation, despite minimal changes to plaque levels. For cleaning around dental implants, oral irrigators and interdental brushes are preferred over floss.

Comparison of Water Flosser and Interdental Brush on Reduction of Gingival Bleeding and Plaque: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this randomized, two-week, single blind, two-group parallel pilot study was to compare the reduction in gingival bleeding and plaque in subjects using a water flosser or interdental brush, each combined with a manual toothbrush.

METHODS

Twenty-eight subjects completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Waterpik® Water Flosser (WF) plus manual toothbrush or interdental brushes (IDBs) plus a manual toothbrush. Bleeding on probing (BOP) was measured at six sites and reported for whole mouth, lingual, facial, and interproximal areas. Plaque data were measured using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) and were reported for whole mouth, approximal, marginal, facial, and lingual areas. Subjects received verbal and written instructions on the use of their interdental product and demonstrated proficiency prior to starting the study.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the groups for BOP or RMNPI at baseline. Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in BOP and RMNPI for all regions and areas measured from baseline to two weeks. The WF was more effective than the IDBs for BOP whole mouth (56%), facial (44%), approximal whole mouth (53%), and approximal facial (41%). Post hoc power analysis showed that the sample size was not adequate to detect a significant difference between groups for lingual and marginal assessments for BOP or any area for RMNPI.

CONCLUSIONS

The Waterpik Water Flosser is more effective than IDBs for reducing gingival bleeding over two weeks.

Comparison of Water Flosser and Interdental Brush on Plaque Removal: A Single-Use Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this randomized, single-use, single-blind, two-group, parallel pilot study was to compare the plaque removal ability of a water flosser and interdental brush when used in combination with a manual toothbrush.

METHODS

Twenty-eight (28) subjects completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Waterpik®Water Flosser (WF) plus manual tooth brushing or interdental brushes (IDB) plus manual tooth brushing. Pre-cleaning plaque scores were obtained using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI). Subjects were instructed on the use of their interdental product. Post-cleaning scores were obtained after a supervised brushing and use of the interdental device. Scores were recorded for whole mouth, marginal, approximal, facial, and lingual regions for each subject.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the groups for pre-cleaning plaque scores for whole mouth, marginal, approximal, facial, or lingual regions. Both groups showed significant reductions in plaque from baseline for all areas measured (p < 0.001). The WF group was significantly more effective than the IDB group for removing plaque from all areas measured. Specifically, the WF was 18% more effective for whole mouth and marginal areas, 20% for approximal areas, 11% for facial areas, and 29% for lingual areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The Waterpik Water Flosser and manual toothbrush removes significantly more plaque from tooth surfaces (whole mouth, marginal, approximal, facial, and lingual) than interdental brushes and a manual toothbrush after a single use.

Embrasure morphology and central papilla recession

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of vertical and horizontal distances between the maxillary central incisors on the presence of interproximal dental papilla and to assess the association between the embrasure morphology and central papilla recession.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The central papilla was visually assessed in 50 subjects using the standardized periapical radiographs of maxillary central incisors. The following vertical distances were measured; distance from the contact point to papilla tip, CP to proximal cementoenamel (pCEJ) junction, bone crest to CP (BC-CP) and BC-PT. The horizontal distance measured was interdental width (IDW) at pCEJ level. The measurements were recorded using a digital electronic caliper.

RESULTS

Significant association between the embrasure morphology and central papilla recession was observed for all study groups. All the interdental variables were significantly related to the presence of interdental papillae, with BC-CP distance being the strongest determinant of central papilla presence. The percentage of interdental papilla presence was 100% when the BC-CP distance was ≤6 mm and IDW ranged between 0.5 and 1.5 mm. Central papilla recession was observed most frequently with wide-long and narrow-long embrasure morphology.

CONCLUSION

In relation to maxillary central incisors, all the interdental variables have significant influences on the presence of interdental papillae, with distance from BC to CP being the strongest determinant of central papilla presence.