Frequency of Oral Hygiene

Frequency of Oral Hygiene in the Maintenance of Gingival Health

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of oral hygiene in the maintenance of gingival health in patients with an adequate method of oral hygiene.

The study was a randomized blinded clinical trial. Eligible patients underwent a pre-clinical period in order to eliminate factors that could interfere with the proper plaque control. Forty-five non dental students with healthy gingival (maximum 5% of sites showing gingival bleeding) were randomized into four groups according to the frequency of oral hygiene (every 12h, 24h, 48h or 72h). Plaque Index (PLI) and Gingival Index (GI) were evaluated by two trained examiners at baseline, 15 days and 30 days.

Inclusion Criteria:

• students of graduate courses at the Federal University of Santa Maria and Franciscan University Center
• a minimum age of 18 years
• filling all space interdental papilla
• at least 24 teeth
• maximum 15% of sites with gingivitis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• dental students
• pregnant woman
• diabetics
• smokers
• orthodontic equipment
• antimicrobial prophylaxis
• antibiotic
• anti-inflammatory
• psychomotor disturbances
• periodontitis
• PD ≥ 3mm