Detection of dental plaque with disclosing agents in the context of preventive oral hygiene training programs

Abstract

No studies have evaluated the relationship between the detection points for dental bacterial plaque (DBP or biofilm) and gender, age, socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), and oral health, hence the need to investigate and clarify their possible association. This study aimed to map out the occurrence of DBP, investigate and evaluate the factors affecting its localization, and design preventive interventions. The research was conducted on 588 public school children aged 4-18 years in a provincial area of Greece. The subjects' oral health status and anthropometric characteristics were examined by a dentist (A.F.) and a dietitian (E.P.), respectively. To identify DBP, chewable double-staining disclosing tablets were used. The results of the present study indicate the following: (1) Age and socioeconomic status seem to be associated with DBP development, particularly in the oral cavity. (2) Overweight schoolchildren show more DBP on the upper posterior occlusal and upper posterior buccal surfaces compared to normal-weight children. (3) Moderate caries disease is associated with DBP detection on almost all tooth surfaces and especially on the tongue and lower anterior labial surface. (4) Severe caries disease is most strongly associated with DBP in the upper posterior palatal, lower posterior buccal, and lower posterior lingual spaces, as well as on the tongue. (5) Sex is the only variable without a significant impact on DBP detection surfaces. In conclusion, DBP identification in specific areas of the mouth seems to be influenced by age, socioeconomic level, BMI, and oral health. Gender has no influence on DBP detection points. Disclosing agents can be used in oral health prevention programs, both for more effective guidance on the use of oral hygiene tools and for their evaluation.

Natural Blue Pigment fromGardenia jasminoidesEllis (Rubiaceae) as a Dental Plaque Disclosant

“…Dental disclosants stain plaque on enamel surfaces to help identify the degree and location of plaques, making it useful not only for professional dental treatment but also for personal oral care. Oral management education using dental disclosants is effective in promoting proper tooth brushing and oral hygiene due to its vibrant visual effect 12) , and helps prevent dental caries and periodontal diseases 12,13) . If liquid dental disclosants are washed after application, unnecessary staining can be controlled, but the quick dissolving tablet causes excessive staining in oral cavity.…”

Cytotoxicity of dental disclosing solution on gingival epithelial cells in vitro

“…Studies have shown that oral health education using dental disclosing solution is effective in preventing dental caries and periodontitis (Fasoulas et al, 2019; Lee, Jung, & Pang, 2016). The primary cause of dental caries and periodontitis is the attachment of dental plaque to dental fissures and gingival sulcus.…”

Effects of a novel dye containing toothpaste versus regular fluoridated toothpaste for supragingival biofilm reduction in patients with chronic gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Adding a disclosing agent into the toothpaste, makes it more convenient for chairside education and is easily obtainable for the patient to bring home and can cultivate an effective brushing habit [29]. Our questionnaire responses showed that 70% of participants who used disclosing tooth paste, felt more motivated to brush their teeth.…”