Frequency of oral hygiene as it relates to gingival inflammation

This blind, randomized clinical trial evaluated the relationship between the frequency of mechanical removal of plaque (MRP) and the gingival inflammation.

Method: Fifty-two patients (maximum 5% of sites with gingival bleeding and no history of periodontitis) were randomized to different frequencies of MRP: 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. Plaque Index (PlI) and Gingival Index (GI) were evaluated at baseline, 15, and 30 days. Intra- and intergroup differences were determined by Repeated Measures ANOVA and Mixed Models ANOVA, respectively, both followed by Tukey’s test. 

Result: The mean GI between baseline and 30 days remained statistically unchanged in the 12 h (0.51±0.17 vs 0.63±0.23 p=0.137) and 24 h (0.43±0.19 vs 0.59±0.21 p=0.052) groups, but increased significantly in the 48 h (0.48±0.18 vs 0.84±0.21 p=0.001) and 72 h (0.55±0.20 vs 0.94±0.25 p=0.000) groups. At 30 days, the average percentage of sites with GI scores of 1 and 2 was significantly higher in the 48 h and 72 h than in the 12 and 24 h groups (p<0.05). 

Conclusion:

Frequencies of mechanical removal plaque up to 24 hours may prevent an increase in the severity gingival inflammation over a period of 30 days in patients with no history of periodontitis.