oral hygiene

Question 1

What is the best brushing technique?

Answer 1

o No clear evidence which is the most effective
o Bass method seems to be the most appropriate
o Positioning the brush at 45 degrees allows the bristle tips to penetrate subgingivally

Question 2

Floss versus interdental brushes

Answer 2

Sälzer: review
- moderate evidence that interdental + tooth brushing = reduce plaque and gingivitis
-low evidence that floss is effective in plaque removal

Kotsakis: network meta-analysis
-Interdental brushes and water jets are the MOST effective for reducing gingival bleeding
-Tooth picks and floss were the least effective methods

Jackson: interdental brushes > floss for BOP, PD, plaque

Question 3

Electric versus manual

Answer 3

o Yaacob et al: meta analysis, showed that electric >manual
-Plaque reduction of 11% short term and 21% long term
-Reduction of gingivitis of 6% short term and 11% long term

Question 4

How can patients clean furcations

Answer 4

o Bader and Williams 1997
o End-tufted brush > small head brush
o Interdental furcation, use an interdental brush>floss

Question 5

HOW DEEP DO THE BRISTLES OF THE TOOTHBRUSH PENETRATE?

Answer 5

• Waerhaug 1981
• 0.5 – 1mm
• 0.9mm