PubMed · 5280800
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K M Kardel, L Bay. 1971. [Toothbrushes for single use].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5280800/
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BACKGROUND: Plaque scoring, using a variety of indices and methods, is widely used in clinical dentistry. There is limited information on inter- and intra-examiner variability and almost no data on examiner accuracy. AIMS: The aim of this study, was to determine the inter- and intra-examiner variability and accuracy of 15 examiners, of differing plaque-scoring experience, in recording and judging plaque areas from simulated plaque on tooth charts. METHODS: Plaque, shaded red, was drawn onto tooth charts of 8 simulated "patients" and measured by planimetry by 1 investigator. For each tooth for each "patient", examiners subjectively copied the plaque onto blank charts and scored plaque in 5% increments for the global plaque index. This was repeated on 2 occasions. Drawn plaque areas were determine by the investigator and comparisons made with the actual areas and % scores of plaque. RESULTS: For both plaque recording methods, intra-examiner variability was low and slightly better than inter-examiner variability. Reproducing plaque areas showed a high level of accuracy in most examiners, as was judging areas in 5% increments, albeit slightly less accurate than area drawing. Overall examiner experience had little influence on judging plaque areas. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that area-based plaque indices can be scored or recorded accurately and with minimal variability within or between examiners. The laboratory model could be used to train and assess examiners.
Confocal microscopy and vital fluorescence techniques were combined for the first time to investigate ex vivo human dental plaque. The vital fluorescence technique used discriminates vital from dead cells, while confocal laser scanning microscopy allows the optical sectioning of undisturbed biofilms leaving the samples intact during analysis. The concomitant use of both methods made an examination of the three-dimensional architecture of dental plaque possible. The topography of plaque biofilms that were allowed to accumulate in situ on glass and enamel was recorded. The distribution of plaque microflora vitality as well as its accumulation varied according to plaque age. A plaque thickness of up to 8, 35 and 45 microm was estimated ex vivo on enamel after 1, 2 and 3 days, respectively. Young and sparse plaque biofilms consisted mainly of dead material. Vital bacteria were observed on top of this dead layers.
This survey investigated the association between the efficacy of plaque removal and toothbrushing forces during a normal brushing regime. The 94 subjects participating in this study were requested not to brush 24 h prior to the experiment. Panelists brushed for 1 min with a manual toothbrush. Before and after brushing, plaque was assessed using the Turesky modification of the Quigley & Hein plaque index. A second 1-min exercise of brushing was carried out to assess the toothbrushing force. The mean plaque reduction was 39%, with vestibular surfaces being cleaned most effective (69%) and the lingual surfaces the least (21%). The mean brushing force was 330 g. No correlation was observed between efficacy and brushing force (r=0.14, p=0.16). The relationship between pre- and post-brushing plaque was stronger (r=0.68, p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis entering squared values of force as an independent variable into the equation, indicated that the relation between efficacy and force was not linear. A curve could be fitted to the plot (p=0.0004), demonstrating that up to a certain level of force, an increase of force is associated with an increase in efficacy (r=0.33, p<0.01). Beyond this point, application of higher forces resulted in reduced efficacy (r=-0.49, p=0.03). As was calculated in this particular test this 'transition' level of force was 407.4 g. The absence of a correlation between brushing force and plaque removal efficacy suggests that in a 'user model' brushing situation, other factors than brushing force are of major influence on the amount of plaque removed.