Interdental Cleaning Is Associated with Decreased Oral Disease Prevalence

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Periodontology
• Dental Public Health

Background:

• Interdental cleaning is a crucial component of oral hygiene.
• Associations between interdental cleaning habits and oral disease prevalence require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the associations between interdental cleaning behavior and the prevalence of caries, periodontal disease, and missing teeth.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014).
• Analyzed parameters including interproximal clinical attachment level (iCAL), interproximal probing depth (iPD), caries, and missing teeth.
• Employed chi-square, multiple linear regression, and generalized logit regression, adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

• Interdental cleaning nonusers exhibited significantly higher prevalence of periodontal disease indicators (iCAL ≥3 mm, iPD ≥4 mm).
• Interdental cleaning users showed significantly lower numbers of coronal caries, interproximal caries, and missing teeth.
• Higher cleaning frequency (4-7 times/week) correlated with better periodontal health and lower odds of severe periodontal disease.

Conclusions:

• Interdental cleaning is associated with reduced caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
• Increased frequency of interdental cleaning promotes better oral health outcomes.
• Promoting interdental cleaning behaviors is recommended for oral health promotion.