About this Research Topic
Frequent disruption of oral biofilm (dental plaque) is necessary to control caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Various manual and powered devices, including toothbrushes, dental floss, toothpicks, interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, and oral irrigation devices, are available for this task. Controlled clinical trials have shown that powered toothbrushes generally result in better plaque removal than manual toothbrushes. Some studies have demonstrated that interdental brushes remove plaque more effectively than floss, and some have shown that oral irrigation devices are at least as effective as floss. However, there are significant limitations and inherent biases in the design of most dental device trials. Additionally, traditional oral hygiene techniques depend on the patient’s ability, motivation, and dedicated time to sufficiently disrupt oral biofilm daily. Results can vary based on patient ability and proper training. New technologies are emerging that show promise in achieving consistent plaque removal in less time without depending on the patient's ability.
Numerous devices are available for the physical removal of dental plaque. In theory, patients with good manual dexterity should be able to remove plaque effectively with standard toothbrushes and simple interdental aids such as floss, toothpicks, and interdental brushes. However, many patients lack the necessary training, motivation, and/or dexterity to remove sufficient plaque to prevent caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and, increasingly, peri-implant disease. While various systematic reviews have compared powered toothbrushes and interdental cleaning aids, there is a need for a more comprehensive review of all available techniques and devices for plaque removal. There is also a need to review emerging customized devices that utilize new digital imaging and printing technologies to automate plaque control and improve the patient experience.
The goal of this Research Topic is to collate the latest work comparing toothbrushing techniques, toothbrush designs, powered toothbrushes, and various interproximal cleaning devices. This will provide guidance on the best oral hygiene practices and device selection, and present available evidence on new developments in home plaque removal devices. Investigators with randomized controlled trials evaluating new technologies for plaque removal are also encouraged to contribute.
This Research Topic will review mechanical oral homecare, including the effectiveness and limitations of available devices and techniques. It will also address new technologies to improve plaque removal and enhance the patient experience. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:
- Best practices in oral homecare, including the history of techniques and devices for plaque removal, the level and frequency of plaque removal necessary to prevent dental disease, effectiveness of oral hygiene instructions, and patient compliance.
- Manual toothbrushes: comparative effectiveness of various designs and brushing techniques.
- Powered toothbrushes: comparative effectiveness of various designs, systematic review.
- Floss vs. interdental brushes vs. oral irrigators: comparative effectiveness.
- New horizons in oral homecare: limitations of traditional devices and techniques, and a review of new technologies for patient-based mechanical plaque removal.
Numerous devices are available for the physical removal of dental plaque. In theory, patients with good manual dexterity should be able to remove plaque effectively with standard toothbrushes and simple interdental aids such as floss, toothpicks, and interdental brushes. However, many patients lack the necessary training, motivation, and/or dexterity to remove sufficient plaque to prevent caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and, increasingly, peri-implant disease. While various systematic reviews have compared powered toothbrushes and interdental cleaning aids, there is a need for a more comprehensive review of all available techniques and devices for plaque removal. There is also a need to review emerging customized devices that utilize new digital imaging and printing technologies to automate plaque control and improve the patient experience.
The goal of this Research Topic is to collate the latest work comparing toothbrushing techniques, toothbrush designs, powered toothbrushes, and various interproximal cleaning devices. This will provide guidance on the best oral hygiene practices and device selection, and present available evidence on new developments in home plaque removal devices. Investigators with randomized controlled trials evaluating new technologies for plaque removal are also encouraged to contribute.
This Research Topic will review mechanical oral homecare, including the effectiveness and limitations of available devices and techniques. It will also address new technologies to improve plaque removal and enhance the patient experience. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:
- Best practices in oral homecare, including the history of techniques and devices for plaque removal, the level and frequency of plaque removal necessary to prevent dental disease, effectiveness of oral hygiene instructions, and patient compliance.
- Manual toothbrushes: comparative effectiveness of various designs and brushing techniques.
- Powered toothbrushes: comparative effectiveness of various designs, systematic review.
- Floss vs. interdental brushes vs. oral irrigators: comparative effectiveness.
- New horizons in oral homecare: limitations of traditional devices and techniques, and a review of new technologies for patient-based mechanical plaque removal.
Keywords: oral biofilm, dental plaque removal, caries prevention, gingivitis control, periodontitis treatment, powered toothbrushes, manual toothbrush effectiveness, dental floss, interdental brushes, oral irrigators, oral hygiene techniques, plaque removal devices
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