Efectiveness of mature plaque removal among adolescents: comparison of efficacy of toothbrushing techniques for erupting molars.

• Grant number: 11/09166-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2011
• End date: July 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Pediatric Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Mariana Minatel Braga Fraga
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Estevam Barbosa Leite
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two toothbrushing techniques (crosstoothbrushing with conventional toothbrushes vs. anterior-posterior toothbrushing using design-modified toothbrushes) in removing dental plaque from occlusal surfaces in second erupting permanent molars. We will evaluate both quantity and quality of dental plaque. We also aim to verify the association between the effectiveness of different techniques and variables related to the tooth or to the adolescent in a short and long-term analysis. Based on that, we will select 60 adolescents (11-15 years-old) presenting at least one erupting second permanent molar. These adolescents will answer a questionnaire containg adolescents individual aspects and will be examined clinically. Examiner will collect dmft-s and DMFT-S, visible dental plaque, oral hygiene index, level of tooth eruption, gingival bleeding. In addition, he will use the cariogram to determine caries risk. To dental plaque measurement, we will use previous to plaque disclosing: an index for visible dental plaque and the QLF. After disclosing the dental plaque, we will evaluate with indices, the presence of disclosed plaque (presence and colour of disclosed plaque); percentage of diclosed plaque on the occlusal surface and quantification of plaque by pixels (photographic method). After basline examination, subjects will be allocated in two groups: I - crosstoothbrushing technique and II- anterior-posterior toothbrushing technique. The group II will toothbrush with Colgate 360º ActiFlex (design-modified toothbrush). The adolescentes will be reexamined after 1 and 2 weeks, and also, after 1, 3 and 6 months since the baseline. Statistical analyses will be conducted to find the most effective method for plaque removal and also the most useful methods to measure and differentiate recent and mature dental plaque.