The plaque‐removing ability of some common interdental aids. An intraindividual study

Abstract

An intraindividual study was performed on 23 (15 male and 8 female) patients suffering from periodontal disease, in order to investigate the plaque‐removing ability of denial floss and of round, triangular and rectangular toothpicks. Only teeth in contact with neighbouring teeth and with open interdental spaces were included in the study. The plaque‐removing ability of the interdental aids used was registered by estimating the amount of plaque at the end of each experimental period (14 days) according to a modified Plaque Index (Silness & Löe 1964) in which plaque was registered on ten surfaces around each tooth. The results show that round and rectangular toothpicks remove plaque only from the buccal part of the proximal surfaces, but that triangular toothpicks and dental floss are effective on both the buccal and lingual parts of the proximal and axial surfaces.

Oral hygiene in the prevention of periodontal diseases: the evidence

“…Based on the results of Bergenholtz et al. (21), it may be concluded that triangular woodsticks with low surface hardness and high strength values are preferred for interdental cleaning. Based on studies performed in vivo and from autopsy material, it was shown that a triangular pointed woodstick inserted interdentally can maintain a subgingival plaque‐free region of 2–3 mm (93).…”

“…Round toothpicks are too thick and too blunt to reach the lingual half of the tooth when trying to angle them, while the curved surface of the toothpick provides only point contact with the tooth surface. Rectangular woodsticks are also designed inappropriately for interdental cleaning as they are too pliable to be able to clean lingually (21). However, triangular woodsticks seem to have the correct shape to fit the interdental space (135).…”

Antimicrobial effects of mechanical debridement

“…Oral hygiene measures in the interdental (directly under the contact area) or interproximal areas (visible spaces between the teeth, which are not under the contact area) have been of major interest since the publication of reports that these surfaces cannot be cleaned by toothbrushing alone (24, 43, 105). It is therefore necessary to carry out interdental cleaning on a regular basis, such as by using dental floss, interdental brushes, wooden sticks or powered interdental cleaning devices.…”

Daily biofilm control and oral health: consensus on the epidemiological challenge - Latin American Advisory Panel

“…When analyzed solely, the brushing technique is less effective to remove biofilm on interproximal areas, where flossing, 16 as well as rubber stimulators, proximal brushes, single-bristle brushes or irrigators may be necessary. [14][15][16][17] It is important to highlight that the population in general presents a low adherence to flossing 18 and other interproximal devices.…”