2008 Funded Projects

The following project was funded under the CFDHRE peer reviewed grants.

Project Title: Comparison of Inter-dental Brush to Dental Floss for Reduction of Plaque and Bleeding in Areas with Intact Papillae: A clinical trial.
Published Research

Lead Principal Applicant
Name: Pauline Imai, CDA, Dip DH, BDSc, MSc, RDH
Title: Clinical Assistant Professor
Host Institution/Organization: University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3

Co-applicant
Name: Penny Hatzimanolakis, Dip DH, BDSc, MSc (candidate), RDH
Title: Clinical Module Coordinator and Instructor
Organization: University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3

Award
$12,060

Abstract
Background: Periodontal disease is linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes1 and cardiovascular disease2 and left untreated, may result in loss of teeth which impacts quality of life.3 Periodontal disease is highly prevalent interproximally4,5 but is reversible as gingivitis with meticulous plaque control. Dental floss is the gold standard for interproximal deplaquing but few people floss daily because it is difficult to use.6 Previous studies demonstrated interdental brushes as effective and acceptable to subjects, but were limited to subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis, who had periodontal surgery and/or attachment loss and thus, large embrasure spaces. 7,8 Interdental brushes have not been studied in subjects with gingivitis and smaller and/or intact embrasures.

Objective: To determine whether the Curaprox interdental brush is an effective, easy to use alternative to dental floss for reduction of plaque and bleeding in subjects with gingivitis and thus, smaller embrasure spaces.

Study design: 12 week, examiner-blinded, split mouth clinical trial.

Measurements: Silness and Lőe Plaque and Eastman bleeding indices at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. All subjects receive scaling and oral hygiene instructions. Questionnaire to determine subjects' preference for product, ease of use, and willingness to use daily.

Subjects: 32 adults with gingivitis recruited using sample calculations 20% beta and 5% alpha. Inclusion: Minimum 4 posterior sites accommodating 0.6 mm interdental brush, minimum 8 posterior bleeding sites, dexterity for manual flossing, and attend 4 study visits. Exclusion: Premedication with antibiotics for dental treatment, using chlorhexidine or over-the-counter mouthrinses, smokers, and/or have orthodontia.

Statistical analyses: Paired t-tests comparing products as well as exploring changes from baseline to 6 weeks and to 12 weeks. Equivalency tests may indicate subject preference is the deciding factor for product selection and not product efficacy. Descriptive statistics for questionnaire data. 95% CI.

These are innovative projects with a high level of importance to the dental hygiene profession. Congratulations to the researchers!