ISSN:
1600-051X
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract This study was designed to determine whether there was any measurable difference in the effectiveness of bacterial plaque removal between 4 commercially available dental flosses. By means of a highly standardized and controlled in vitro experimental model technique utilizing 50 freshly extracted third molars, the possibility of intra- and inter-individual variability was eliminated. Each tooth was individually mounted in a formatray block and the surface was finished to either a “planed” or “unplaned” surface configuration. The “planed” root surface (dentin) was achieved by using 600 grit wet-sandpaper for tooth surface reduction while the “unplaned” root surface was achieved by using 600 grit wet-sandpaper. The teeth were then individually processed to effect the growth of bacterial plaque (S. mutans) on the prepared surfaces. Each tooth was subsequently disclosed, flossed and photographed without interruption. The flossing was carried out on a flossing machine utilizing a controlled force of 50 g. A controlled direction of the stroke perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth, and a controlled frequency of flossing (2 strokes per trial) was used.The results of the clinical trials were evaluated utilizing Ektachrome slides of the previously flossed and disclosed tooth surfaces. The photographs were projected, measured, and statistically analyzed (Student t-test and paired t-test) for the effectiveness of plaque removal of the 4 dental flosses and the effect of root surface roughness on the ability of the flosses to remove bacterial plaque. It was found that on smooth, “planed” root surfaces, there were no measurable difference among the 4 flosses. However, on rough, “unplaned” root surfaces, lightly waxed floss was found superior to the other three, relative to its effectiveness of plaque removal. With the exception of lightly waxed floss, which showed no difference, the remaining 3 flosses were found to be more effective in their ability to remove bacterial plaque from smooth, “planed” root surfaces than from rough, “unplaned” root surfaces.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1986.tb01462.x
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