Effects of supervised daily dental plaque removal by children after 3 years

Abstract

The benefits of a school-based plaque removal program are presented. Children in grades 5-8 were inclined in a study which was designed to determine the effect on oral hygiene, gingival inflammation and dental caries of removing dental plaque through supervised daily flossing and toothbrushing in school. A fluoride-free dentifrice was used. Controls did not receive instruction in plaque removal procedures nor did they engage in plaque removal activities at school. For three school years the students in the treatment group practiced daily plaque removal, supervised by trained personnel. All participants were examined initially for plaque (PHP), gingival inflammation (DHC) and dental caries (DMFS). Girls in the treatment group showed a significant reduction (28%) in mean plaque scores and, for girls and boys, the mean changes in gingivitis scores were significantly reduced (40% and 17%, respectively). Adjusted mean incremental DMF surface scores were 13% lower in the treatment group than in the control group. The difference between groups was not statistically significant and was accounted for entirely by the findings in mesial and distal surfaces (26%). This difference approached statistical significance (P=0.07).

The efficacy of a school‐based caries preventive program: a 4‐year study

“…The results of this study are not in agreement with the classical study of Horowitz et al (10), where they tested the effect of supervised daily tooth brushing on oral health in children. They found no statistically significant difference in dental or periodontal health among children in the study and control groups after three years.…”

Personal oral hygiene and dental caries: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

“…A total of 984 unique citations from 3 sources were identified (Figure ). Thirteen references of interest were identified for full‐text review, which included 12 published articles and one abstract for which we obtained the NIH grant report . After full‐text review, three randomised trials were included (Figure ).…”

“…Three randomised trials on 743 participants were identified (Table ); two trials were conducted in the United States (US), and one in the United Kingdom (UK) . The enrolled participants were girls aged 11 and 12, and boys and girls aged 10 and 13, and 12 and 13 . All three trials reported DMFS scores; two trials continued for 3 years and one trial for 29 months .…”

“…The enrolled participants were girls aged 11 and 12, and boys and girls aged 10 and 13, and 12 and 13 . All three trials reported DMFS scores; two trials continued for 3 years and one trial for 29 months . The units of randomisation were participants and classes .…”

“…All three trials reported DMFS scores; two trials continued for 3 years and one trial for 29 months . The units of randomisation were participants and classes . The two US trials were conducted in nonfluoridated communities.…”