ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To review the effectiveness of antiseptic oral sprays on oral health. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of oral sprays to placebo/control spray or mouthrinse on dental plaque and gingival inflammation were included. RESULTS: Among a total of 996 papers, 20 effective studies fulfilled the selection criteria, and 8 studies were suitable for inclusion in meta-analyses. A meta-analysis of three studies using a 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) spray intervention, without prophylaxis at baseline, showed reductions in Plaque Index (PI) (Silness and Löe) and Gingival Index (GI) (Silness and Löe) scores of 0.74 (95% CI: -1.03 to -0.45) and 0.22 (95% CI: -0.38 to -0.06), respectively. Five studies provided a prophylaxis for subjects before study initiation. Three of these five studies used 0.2% CHX spray. A meta-analysis demonstrated an increase of 0.18 (95% CI: -0.01 to 0.37) in PI (Silness and Löe) scores. Two RCTs compared 0.12% and 0.2% CHX spray, and a meta-analysis showed increases of 1.71 (95% CI: 1.27 to 2.14) and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.23 to 1.93), respectively, in PI (Quigley and Hein) scores. Of the RCTs not amenable to meta-analysis, eight studies reported significant improvements in PI and GI scores. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence suggests that oral sprays are an acceptable delivery method for antiseptic agents. Further high-quality studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of alternative chemotherapeutic agents delivered via oral sprays on oral health.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents, Local/administration & dosage , Chlorhexidine/administration & dosage , Dental Plaque/prevention & control , Gingivitis/prevention & control , Oral Sprays , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Databases, Bibliographic , Dental Plaque/diagnosis , Dental Plaque Index , Female , Gingivitis/diagnosis , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Oral Hygiene , Periodontal Index , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Problem-based learning (PBL) students report uncertainty on the depth and breadth of learning required, and this is a significant stressor and challenge. Student-generated MCQ questions were trialled and evaluated as a way to support depth and breadth of learning. METHODS: Students set MCQs relating to specified learning issues, and an analysis and evaluation of setting and answering the MCQs were performed. The Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) and final written examination scores were correlated to question setting and answering. Students were asked to rate the impact of the MCQs on their learning in PBL. RESULTS: A total of 147 questions were created and 2373 answered. Students reported challenges with setting questions, although these made them think more deeply and helped their learning and affirming their learning progress. MCQs authored indicated significant associations with Understanding, and examination scores were associated with MCQs authored. Students reported a moderate response to how the MCQs supported their depth and breadth of learning. CONCLUSIONS: While MCQ setting was perceived as a useful learning exercise, students engaged to different levels and experienced challenges. Students were uncertain whether the MCQs helped clarify the depth and breadth of learning in PBL, as they were not clear whether the questions set by their peers were relevant to the required learning outcomes.
