Comparison of two Manual Toothbrushes in Effectiveness of Plaque Removal: A pilot study.

Purpose: This pilot study compared the effectiveness of plaque removal of two manual toothbrushes; a novel toothbrush design and a control reference toothbrush.Methods: Thirty-eight individuals meeting specific criteria consented to participate and were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Subjects were given both study toothbrushes eight days prior to data collection to use on alternate days for two minutes twice daily for familiarization. Subjects refrained from any oral hygiene procedures for twenty-four hours prior to data collection at which time a baseline plaque score was recorded using the O'Leary Plaque Control Record. Following the baseline plaque score recording, timed brushing was supervised by a research assistant, using a split mouth design, followed by a post-brushing plaque score. All plaque scores were recorded by the same examiner blinded to group assignment. Pre- and post-brushing scores were compared using t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine differences. Subjects also completed a qualitative survey on the two brushes.Results: When compared to overall plaque scores, no significant differences were shown between the two brushes or when compared to all interproximal surfaces, all smooth surfaces and left vs. right sides. Both brushes performed better on the left side. The control brush was slightly more effective than the novel brush in the mandible (p=0.0222) and on lingual (p=0.0169) surfaces. Results of the survey showed that the subjects significantly favored the novel brush.Conclusion: Both brushes were effective, although the reference brush was slightly more effective in plaque removal than the novel design brush in the mandible and on lingual surfaces; however, the novel brush was preferred by participants.

Oral Care for Pregnant Patients: A Survey of Dental Hygienists' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitude and practice behaviors of dental hygienists' providing oral health care to pregnant women. METHODS: Data was collected from an anonymous electronic survey administered to all Michigan Dental Hygiene Association (MDHA) members (n=1,047). The survey asked questions which assessed dental hygienists knowledge, behaviors and attitudes when providing oral care to pregnant patients. Statistical analysis was conducted correlating years in practice and years since dental hygiene degree with survey questions to identify any correlations. RESULTS: The response rate was 14.4% (n=150). Results indicated that regardless of years of experience, or level of degree, the majority of the respondents surveyed (64%) desired more education about caring for a pregnant patient. Ninety percent of respondents reported willingness to provide care for pregnant women, and 85% indicated they or their employers agreed to accept referrals to treat pregnant women. Respondents' knowledge indicated the following treatments could be provided throughout pregnancy: Prophylaxis (95.8%), emergency care (92.7%), periodontal treatment (76.3%) and restorative care (61.5%). One question. "dental hygiene services should only be provided during the second trimester," was written in the negative, with a disagree rate of 85.6% indicated a high level of knowledge about this topic. CONCLUSION: Dental hygienists are in a position to use current findings, protocols and practice guidelines to provide preventive oral health care and advocate for the pregnant patient. This study found continuing education regarding oral health care and pregnancy was desired by many dental hygienists.