Effect of self‐performed mechanical plaque control frequency on gingival health in subjects with a history of periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aim This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of the frequency of self‐performed mechanical plaque control (SPC) on gingival health in subjects with a history of periodontitis. Materials and Methods Forty‐two subjects participating in a routine periodontal maintenance program were randomized to perform SPC at 12‐, 24‐ or 48‐hr intervals. Plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI) were evaluated at baseline, and days 15, 30 and 90 of study. Probing depths, clinical attachment levels and bleeding on probing were assessed at baseline, days 30 and 90. Mixed linear models were used for the analysis and comparison of experimental groups. Results Mean GI at baseline remained unchanged throughout study (90 days) only in the 12‐hr group (0.7 ± 0.1 versus 0.8 ± 0.1; p < .05). At the end of study, mean GI was significantly increased in the 48‐hr group over that in the 12‐ and 24‐hr groups. When GI = 2 scores were considered, only the 48‐hr group failed to maintain gingival health throughout the study (18.8%). Conclusion SPC performed at a 12‐ or 24‐hr frequency appears sufficient to controlling gingival inflammation whereas this clinical status was not maintained using a 48‐hr frequency in subjects with a history of periodontitis subject to a routine periodontal maintenance program (ClinicalTrials.gov: 50208115.9.0000.5346).

Correlation between dental plaque accumulation and gingival health in periodontal maintenance patients using short or extended personal oral hygiene intervals

“…The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Medline [http://www.pubmed.com] at https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13297, Maier et al, 2020.…”

“…In our previous study (Maier et al, 2020), pOH intervals of 12 and 24 h demonstrated the same pattern of dental plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Thus, in the present study, we collapsed them into one group (G12/24) to compare with the group that performed pOH every 48 h (G48).…”

“…The current study represents a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (Maier et al, 2020), which provides an assessment with a low risk of bias (Ahn & Ahn, 2010) configuring strength. The study sample includes subjects in systemic health (non‐smokers) with a history of periodontitis attending a maintenance programme presenting with ≤7.5% of the gingival sites with bleeding.…”

“…This study represents a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial performed November 2015 through February 2018 (Maier et al, 2020) at Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Post‐Graduate Program in Oral‐Science, Dental School, RS, Brazil, methodology herein described in brief.…”

“…Although these recommendations have become convention, there is limited evidence in support relative to gingival health (Lang et al, 1973; Kelner et al, 1974). We have shown that in subjects with or without a history of periodontitis, pOH performed once/twice daily appears adequate to maintain gingival health (Pinto et al, 2013; De Freitas et al, 2016; Maier et al, 2020).…”