Supragingival Plaque Removal With and Without Dentifrice

Supragingival Plaque Removal With and Without Dentifrice: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dental biofilm removal by brushing with and without conventional toothpaste. Settings and Design: Twenty-four students aged 17 to 28 years old participated in this randomized clinical trial.

Materials and Methods: Quadrants 1-3 or 2-4 were randomly allocated to the test group (brushing without dentifrice) or control group (brushing with dentifrice). After 72 hours of cessation of oral hygiene, Quigley & Hein (Turesky) plaque index was assessed before and after brushing by a calibrated and blind examiner. Overtime and intergroup comparisons were performed by paired sample t test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• students of both genders systemically healthy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• individuals who exhibited gingivitis (presence of gingival bleeding at any site);
• probing depth > 3mm and/or attachment loss >3mm at any site;
• using orthodontic appliance devices, dental prostheses, dental implants;
• presence of abrasions, restorations and/or carious lesions at cervical region;
• individuals who had less than 20 natural teeth.