Related Experiment Videos
Comparison between manual and mechanical methods of interproximal hygiene
P Schmage1, U Platzer, I Nergiz
1Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Dental School, University of Hamburg, Germany.
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|January 15, 2000
Summary
Manual interdental cleaning using brushes or floss proved more effective at removing plaque and reducing bleeding than the automated Interclean device. This study highlights the superiority of manual methods for interdental hygiene.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Periodontology
- Oral Hygiene
Background:
- Gingivitis affects a significant portion of the population, necessitating effective interdental cleaning methods.
- Traditional interdental cleaning involves manual tools like brushes and floss.
- Automated devices aim to simplify and improve interdental plaque removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the plaque removal efficacy of the automated Interclean device against manual interdental brushes and floss.
- To evaluate the impact of different interdental cleaning methods on gingival health indicators.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, split-mouth study involving 35 patients with gingivitis.
- Interdental spaces were classified by size, and appropriate manual tools (brushes/floss) or the Interclean device were used.
- Evaluation included disclosed proximal plaque, papillary bleeding index, and bleeding on stimulation over one week.
Main Results:
- Manual cleaning removed 95% of interproximal plaque, while the Interclean device left 40%.
- The papillary bleeding index decreased from 40% to 25% with manual cleaning.
- Interdental bleeding on stimulation was significantly higher after using the automated device compared to manual methods.
Conclusions:
- Manual interdental cleaning methods (brushes and floss) are significantly more effective than the automated Interclean device.
- The study suggests that manual techniques provide superior plaque control and improve gingival health indicators more effectively.