IADR Abstract Archives
Artificial Plaque Removal by Three Dental Floss Products
Interproximal plaque removal by dental floss is difficult to measure in clinical studies. Toothbrush and dentifrice products have been tested using the published Depth of plaque Deposit Removal (DDR) laboratory assay. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three dental floss products for DDR efficacy at interproximal sites.
Method:
The products tested, GUM® ButlerWeave® Mint Waxed (B), Johnson & Johnson Reach® Mint Waxed (R) and Oral-B® Glide® Pro-HealthTM Original Floss (G), were placed into interproximal sites between simulated posterior teeth that were covered with an artificial plaque substrate extending 600 over the mesiobuccal and distobuccal line angles. Products were tested using a vertical flossing motion for 15 secs at 2 strokes/sec with a 5mm stroke length and a weight of 150g. Three samples of each product were tested 4x (n=12). Depth of deposit removal (DDR) was determined using a color comparative scale in which a score of 0 represents no deposit removed and a score of 4 indicates maximum removal. Scores were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the post hoc Tukey test.
Result:
The DDR means (SD) were B: 1.83 (0.11), R: 0.98 (0.14), and G: 0.56 (0.13). The mean DDR value for the B floss product was significantly different from the mean values for the R and G products (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
In the DDR study conducted, the B mean score is significantly different from the R and G mean scores (p < 0.001). The DDR laboratory assay is useful for evaluating interproximal plaque removal by dental floss products.