Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of low fluoridated and calcium phosphate-based dentifrice formulations when used with powered and manual toothbrush in children with autism

Abstract

Background:Autism is a neurobiological disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, communication difficulties, and lacking manual dexterity. These limitations make the oral hygiene maintenance very difficult.Aim:The aim of this present study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of low fluoridated and calcium phosphate-based dentifrice formulations when used with powered and manual toothbrush in children with autism.Setting and Design:Sample comprised 22 children with autism who daily visited a day care and education center named ARUSHI - a center for children with special health care needs in Bhopal.Methods:Children were divided into two groups (Group A and B) according to toothbrush used and further divided into subgroups (A1 and B1 [low fluoridated − Pediflor toothpaste] and A2 and B2 [calcium sucrose phosphate − Enafix toothpaste]). Oral hygiene instructions and brushing technique demonstration were given every day for a period of 1-month. Oral health status was evaluated before and after the study using simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and its Miglani's modification for primary dentition, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT)/deft index. The perception of parents regarding oral hygiene practices for their kids was also evaluated by an awareness and attitude questionnaire.Statistical Analysis:OHI-S, GI, PI, and DMFT/deft were statistically evaluated using Mann–Whitney U- test.Results and Conclusion:Mean value of OHI-S decreased significantly with powered toothbrush (0.035 [P < 0.05]) in both groups. However, PI decreased significantly for Enafix when used with powered toothbrush (0.042 [P < 0.05]). Perception of parents was seen to improve significantly after 1-month study (0.000 [P < 0.05]).

Efficacy of caries and gingivitis prevention strategies among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…; Awasthi et al . ). Thirteen studies investigated the strategies in periodontal disease control (Usher ; Russell & Bay ; Dever ; Luoma et al .…”

“…; Awasthi et al . ). The effectiveness of both mechanical and chemical strategies had been reported.…”

“…Another trial indicated that powered toothbrush plus calcium sucrose phosphate dentifrices would be ‘a better alternative’ to low fluoride toothpaste (Awasthi et al . ). Data pooled from two RCTs were synthesised by way of meta‐analysis (Luoma et al .…”

“…; Awasthi et al . ), while chemical strategies had been assessed by majority of the studies, including chlorhexidine (Usher ; Russell & Bay ; Dever ; Francis et al . ; Stabholz et al .…”

“…; Awasthi et al . ) investigated the effectiveness of oral health promotion activities in periodontal disease control. The following indices had been adopted: gingival index of Löe and Silness (7 studies), gingival bleeding index of Ainamo and Bay (2 studies), modified gingival index of Löe and Silness (1 study), modified gingival index of Lobene et al .…”