Aim of the study: To examine the effectiveness and the acceptability of the iTOP method.
Method: 300 standardized questionnaire was filled in advanced. In the clinical study 24 patients with untreated periodontitis were enrolled. After measuring the plaque score (FMPS) and the interdental bleeding index (IDBI) professional oral hygienic training was installed. According to iTOP’s protocol an chairside instruction was carried out with modified Bass method with soft toothbrush and individually calibrated interdental toothbrushes. Subjects were followed up and indexes were recorded on months 1,3,and 12. Patients’ subjective assessments were recorded on another questionnaire.
Result: Based on the first questionnaire the majority of our subjects brusher their teeth twice a day with medium toothbrush with different techniques. Only 25% used interdental devices and 85% experienced gum bleeding after toothbrushing. Only 15% self assessment indicated excellent oral hygiene and more than half contributed this effect to chemical plaque controls. According to the results the mean baseline FMPS decreased from 64,65% to 29,19% at month 1 and 21,12% at month 3. The final one year result showed 23,85% plaque scores. The baseline IDBI decreased from 78,12% to 24,34% at month 1 and to 8,5% at month 3. The final mean bleeding index increased to 13,26%. According to the final patients’ survey the method was effective and easily applicable. Everybody appreciated the improvement in their oral health.
Conclusion: iTOP method was effective and patients’ friendly but a more frequent recall is needed to maintain oral health.