Comparison of the Interplak® and manual toothbrushes in a population with mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD)

Abstract

A major dental problem confronting persons with mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) is poor dental hygiene, which can result in an increased incidence of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Studies indicate that the most obvious reason for the poor oral hygiene of such persons is their inability to clean the oral cavity adequately. The objective of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in the oral health between a group of residents with MR/DD using the Interplak and a group using manual toothbrushes. Fifty-six residents from four Franklin County group homes completed the study. Each group home was divided into two study groups, one using the Interplak and the second using manual toothbrushes. Each subject was seen for initial recording based on the Gingival Index (Löe) and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (Greene and Vermillion), followed by a thorough prophylaxis. These measurements were recorded again at three, six, and nine months, with a final recording at 12 months. At the conclusion of the study, analysis of the data indicated significant improvement in the Gingival Index over a 12-month period for the residents using the Interplak compared with a manual toothbrush.

Manual versus sonic powered toothbrushing in patients with intellectual disability: a cluster‐randomized clinical trial

“…The differences between these studies with the results of the present study may be due to different factors: the choice of indices, the provision of dental prophylaxis during the study (Carr et al. , Dogan et al. ), the lack of randomization (Dogan et al.…”

“…Conversely, some studies have shown significant advantages of different powered toothbrushes, when compared to manual toothbrushes, for GI (Carr et al. ) or for PlI (Carr et al. , Kaschke et al.…”

“…), the heterogeneous distribution in the groups (Carr et al. ), the differences in study duration (Dogan et al. ) or the lack of information on the degree of disability.…”

“…Studies focussing on dental plaque control in patients with ID are, however, scarce (and specifically with the sonic powered toothbrush technology), and specific studies assessing the efficacy of using powered toothbrushes in ID populations have shown inconsistent results (Bratel & Berggren , Carr et al. , Dogan et al. , Kaschke et al.…”

Periodontics and Patients With Special Needs

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] While the periodontist will prescribe a treatment plan, the control of the outcome, to a significant degree, is subject to the abilities, desires, and interests of the patient and, in the case of individuals with disabilities, the parent and/or other caregivers. Related concerns to be considered when developing a treatment plan for patients with disabilities:…”