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The development of experimental gingivitis was studied in young elderly humans during a 21-d period of oral hygiene abstention. The state of the gingiva was assessed by the Gingival Index and by measurements of the amount of gingival exudate on filter paper strips placed at the entrance of the gingival sulcus of the lower lateral incisors and cuspids. Soft deposits were assessed by the Plaque Index and by differential counts of microorganisms in gram stained smears od ento-gingival plaque. At the end of the plaque growth period, the patients were given a thorough dental prophylaxis. Gingival condition and plaque were assessed at regular intervals during a subsequent period of controlled oral hygiene. The development of gingivitis during the oral hygiene abstention period was more rapid and more severe in old than in young individuals. Plaque accumulation was greater in the older persons. A definite difference in plaque consistency was alos observed. However, microscopic counts of various types of microorganisms did not reveal any differences throughout the period of plaque accumulation. When active oral hygiene was reinstituted, the state of the gingiva rapidly returned to pre-experimental levels in both groups. The findings of this study indicate that with age ther is an altered host response to the microorganisms of the plaque.

Low Concentrations of chlorhexidine (0.006 %) were found to inhibit plaque formation when 750 ml was applied twice daily by oral irrigation systems. The procedure took 1-2 min and may be a convenient method of maintaining oral hygiene in patients in whom normal mechanical cleansing is difficult.

A 2-year study of the isolated effect of an intensive motivation program in the oral health of 11--15-year-old schoolchildren was carried out in a Danish provincial town. The motivation program consisted of small-group sessions during which maximum effort was made to obtain active engagement from the children. After 1 year the experimental group was supplemented with two new groups of children who in addition to the motivation participated in a competition on dental hygiene. The effect of the motivational program on knowledge and behavior was evaluated. While the program seemed to result in a reinforcement of the already existing positive attitude, the cognitive level was only slightly improved and no change in behavior resulting in improved oral health was registered.