Effect of interdental cleaning devices on proximal caries

To estimate the association between the use of interdental cleaning devices and proximal caries experience.

This study used a cross-sectional data from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015). A total of 13 525 adults aged 19-64 years who participated in both the nutrition survey and the health examination survey were included. Data on sociodemographic factors (age and sex), socioeconomic factors (level of education and household income) and personal health practices (frequency of toothbrushing, visits to dental clinic, frequency of snacking and self-rated oral health status), and number of proximal caries were collected. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using the multivariable Poisson generalized linear model according to use of dental floss or an interdental brush. The risk of proximal caries for dental floss following the stratification of participants into various subgroups related to oral health was assessed.

While nonflossers had 1.46 times (PR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16-1.84) higher risk for proximal caries than flossers, the use of an interdental brush was not associated with proximal caries. In the nonflossers, the association for proximal caries was the strongest in those in their 40s (PR 2.28, 95% CI: 1.29-4.03), followed by those in their 30s (PR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.18-2.90). Although nonflossers with middle-low household income had a 59% higher risk (PR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.24-2.03) for proximal caries than those with high household income, there were no significant differences in household income in flossers.

The findings of the study suggest that flossing at home along with toothbrushing is one of the easiest ways to prevent proximal caries. Therefore, dental floss should not be excluded from oral healthcare products.