Prevention of gingivitis: Oral hygiene and dentifrices

At the basis of Oral Health lies daily oral hygiene self-care with the result, if correctly performed, of plaque and gingivitis reduction. Epidemiological studies indicate that the level of oral hygiene in the general population has increased over the last decades. However, there still appears to be a need for further improvement. While most people claim to brush their teeth twice daily the effectiveness does in general not seem to be sufficient to prevent gingivitis and as a consequence periodontitis. Hence, in this thesis several modifications of oral hygiene devices and toothpastes have been evaluated such as the effectiveness of a toothbrush with a digital feedback monitoring and training system, the risk of gingival recession by brushing with a newly developed power toothbrush and the effectiveness of interdental cleaning devices. Furthermore the contribution of the detergent sodium lauryl sulphate in toothpastes was clinically analyzed and the active ingredients stannous fluoride and triclosan systematically reviewed with regard to parameters of plaque and gingivitis. In conclusion the devices and products investigated like powered toothbrushes, a smart software visualization system, stannous fluoride or triclosan containing toothpastes as well as the correct application of the individually adjusted interdental cleaning device help to improve oral hygiene self-care. More specific, evidence suggests that inter-dental cleaning with interdental brushes is the most effective, interdental oral hygiene device. Toothpastes ingredients triclosan and stannous fluoride contribute comparably to obtain oral health. Sodium lauryl sulphate as ingredient in dentifrices does not improve plaque removal or help to reduce gingivitis. The foaming effect of this detergent is appreciated by patients.