The effect of cetylpyridinium chloride mouthrinse as adjunct to toothbrushing compared to placebo on interproximal plaque and gingival inflammation-a systematic review with meta-analyses

ANTIPLAQUE AND ANTIGINGIVITIS EFFECTS OF A NOVEL ORAL CARE REGIMEN FEATURING STANNOUS FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE, A UNIQUE TOOTHBRUSH, AND CETYLPYRIDINIUM CHLORIDE MOUTHWASH: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

BACKGROUND

Antibacterial ingredients for oral care products are typically measured through single product forms. This study assessed the overall health outcome of using multiple forms: a stabilized stannous fluoride toothpaste, an enhanced cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash and a unique toothbrush to deliver antibacterial performance.

METHODS

A 12-week, single-center, phase III, masked, 2-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the reduction of established dental plaque and gingivitis with a novel antibacterial oral regimen comprised of 0.454% stannous fluoride toothpaste stabilized with nitrate and phosphates, 0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride and 0.28% zinc lactate mouthwash, and rapid foaming manual toothbrush compared to a nonantibacterial commercially available regimen of toothpaste containing 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate, no mouthwash, and commercially available manual toothbrush to represent standard toothbrushing practices.

RESULTS

Adherence to this novel oral care regimen provided significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis compared to the control starting at 1 week (P < .01) and continuing over 12 weeks (P < .001) across all plaque and gingival score indices. At week 1, participants in the Antibacterial Regimen Group showed 15 times more plaque reduction than control (P < .001). After 3 weeks of regimen adherence, 100% of Antibacterial Regimen participants had improved gingival index scores compared to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the study, the results showed statistically significantly reduced gingival inflammation and improved plaque control from 1 week continuing through 12 weeks of adherence to this novel oral care regimen compared to standard toothbrushing practices.

Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms

The posterior oral cavity serves as an entry point to both the digestive and respiratory systems. Optimal oral hygiene, particularly by means of gargling, has been shown to effectively reduce transmission and duration of respiratory illnesses (Clinical Trials registration: NCT06479226). Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash in preventing the development of respiratory symptoms. To assess the impact of using an antimicrobial mouthwash for gargling in lowering the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms. A total of 150 individuals were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: Control group: participants were requested to brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes using a commercially available fluoride toothpaste; and the Test Group, which also brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes with a commercially available fluoride toothpaste and additional gargling twice a day with a mouthwash containing 0.075% Cetylpyridinium chloride and 0.28% Zinc Lactate (CPC+Zn). Individuals were asked to complete the WURSS-21 Daily Symptom Report over the course of the three-month study period using a diary. Regular gargling with the mouthwash containing CPC+Zn was efficacious in decreasing both the frequency (21.5% lower) and severity (11% lower) of respiratory symptoms throughout the study. Additionally, individuals that performed consistent cleansing of the posterior oral cavity with mouthwash had greater interference in daily activities, which should be further investigated. Adding gargling with a mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC + 0.28% Zn to a normal oral hygiene routine proves beneficial in lowering the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms commonly associated with cold and the flu. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06479226.

Strategies for the prevention of periodontal disease and its impact on general health: Latin America and the Caribbean Consensus 2024

Periodontal diseases are closely related to non-communicable diseases, and their prevention depends on their link with healthy lifestyle programs. The purpose of this consensus was to summarize and propose preventive strategies at the community, individual, and research levels in Latin America and the Caribbean. A critical review and search strategy was carried out in Pubmed, LILACS, and SCIELO on three topics: a) Social determinants, risk factors, and behavioral changes related to PD throughout the lives of individuals; b) Impact of mechanical and chemical control of plaque for the prevention of gingivitis; c) Impact on prevention of systemic diseases. Relative to public health policies, no consensus was reported in the region. In some countries, periodontal educational strategies, mainly for pregnant women and for other chronic diseases have been implemented, but their impact on primary and secondary prevention has hardly been evaluated. In recent years, a positive aspect has been the implementation of some public policies, including clinical practice guidelines and care pathways. Based on the latest consensus, multicenter educational research and technological strategies were found in the region, but their effectiveness needs to be evaluated in clinical studies. A barrier to the implementation of preventive strategies has to do with the human factor. Therefore, the training of periodontists to be experts in communication strategies, technologies that allow the empowerment of patients for taking care of their periodontal health are required . Moreover, it is necessary to train professionals from other areas of health, who are more aware of the importance of oral health as a healthy lifestyle.

Effectiveness of New Isomalt-Containing Toothpaste Formulations in Preventing Dental Caries: A Microbial Study

This study investigated the efficacy of Isomalt-containing toothpaste in preventing development of dental caries.

METHODS

Human dental enamel slabs were allocated to six groups (30/group) at random: De-ionized distilled water (DDW), and toothpaste containing 10% Isomalt, 1100 ppm fluoride, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC] (ICT); 10% Isomalt, 1100 ppm fluoride (IT); 10% Isomalt, 1100 ppm fluoride, 1.5% Sodium lauryl sulfate [SLS] (IST); 1100 ppm fluoride only (FT); 1100 ppm fluoride with SLS (FST). The enamel slabs were exposed to caries development via plaque growth in a Microbial Caries Model for 7 days. Toothpastes were applied as slurries (one toothpaste-three DDW) for 2 min twice daily. Demineralization was measured as the change in surface microhardness (ΔSMH) and amount of mineral lost (∆Z), and these metrics were assessed using Transverse Microradiography. Intra-group (SMH) and intergroup (%∆SMH and ∆Z) comparisons were paired t-test and Tukey's test (α = 0.05), respectively.

RESULTS

With SMH, demineralization was found to be significant (p < 0.001) in all groups compared to sound enamel baseline, except ICT group. With %ΔSMH, all other groups had significantly (p < 0.001) less demineralization compared to DDW. Significantly (p < 0.001) greater demineralization was observed in IT, FT and FST compared to ICT, and no significant difference was observed between IST and ICT or FT. With ∆Z, relative to the DDW group, the inhibition of demineralization was significant (p < 0.0001) in all groups at varying percentages.

CONCLUSIONS

Toothpaste containing 10% Isomalt, 1100 ppm fluoride, and 0.05% CPC demonstrated greater efficacy in inhibiting caries development amid dental plaque compared to toothpaste containing only 1100 ppm fluoride.

New Insights Regarding the Use of Relevant Synthetic Compounds in Dentistry

Worldwide, synthetic compounds are used for both in-office and at-home dental care. They are a valuable resource for both prophylactic and curative treatments for various dental problems, such as tooth decay, periodontal diseases, and many more. They are typically preferred due to their broad range of actions and ability to produce targeted, rapid, and long-lasting effects. Using a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash is capable of reducing the plaque index from 47.69% to 2.37% and the bleeding index from 32.93% to 6.28% after just 2 weeks. Mouthwash with 0.1% OCT is also highly effective, as it significantly lowered the median plaque index and salivary bacterial counts in 152 patients in 5 days compared to a control group (p < 0.0001), while also reducing the gingival index (p < 0.001). When povidone-iodine was used as an irrigant during the surgical removal of mandibular third molars in 105 patients, it resulted in notably lower pain scores after 2 days compared to a control group (4.57 ± 0.60 vs. 5.71 ± 0.45). Sodium hypochlorite is excellent for root canal disinfection, as irrigating with 1% NaOCl completely eliminated the bacteria from canals in 65% patients. A 0.05% CPC mouthwash proved effective for perioperative patient care, significantly decreasing gingival bleeding (p < 0.001) and suppressing Streptococcus levels even one week post-surgery. Lastly, a 6% H2O2 paint-on varnish and 6% H2O2 tray formulations successfully bleached the teeth of 40 patients, maintaining a noticeably whiter appearance up to the 6-month follow-up, with significant color differences from the baseline (p < 0.005). Synthetic compounds have a large research base, which also provides a greater awareness of their mechanism of action and potential adverse effects. For a better understanding of how they work, several methods and assays are performed. These are protocolary techniques through which a compound's efficacy and toxicity are established.

Caries preventing efficacy of new Isomalt-containing mouthrinse formulations: a microbial study

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of an Isomalt-containing mouthrinse to prevent caries development was investigated.

METHODS

Human enamel blocks were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 30/group): De-ionized distilled water (DDW), and mouthrinse containing either (IFC) 1% Isomalt, 225 ppm fluoride, and 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), (IF) 1% Isomalt and 225ppm fluoride, (FC) 225 ppm fluoride and 0.05% CPC or (F) 225 ppm fluoride. During 7-day demineralization in a Microbial Caries Model, mouthrinses were applied once daily for 1 min. Demineralization was assessed using Surface Microhardness testing for percentage change in SMH (%ΔSMH) and Transverse Microradiography for mineral loss (ΔZ). Data analysis (α = 0.05) used paired t-test (Intra-group comparison using SMH) and ANOVA/Tukey's for inter-group comparisons (%ΔSMH and ΔZ).

RESULTS

With SMH, relative to sound enamel baseline, demineralization was significant (P < 0.001) in all groups, except in IFC. Intergroup comparison with %ΔSMH showed significantly (p < 0.001) greater demineralization in DDW compared to other groups, and in IF, FC, and F compared to IFC (P < 0.001). With ΔZ, relative to DDW, all groups significantly (p < 0.0001) inhibited demineralization at varying percentages.

CONCLUSIONS

Mouthrinse containing Isomalt, fluoride, and CPC inhibited demineralization amidst cariogenic biofilm; thus, highlighting its potential as a more effective caries control tool than mouthrinse with only fluoride.

Formulation and assessment of biological properties of garcinia indica fruit extract mouthrinse as an adjunct to oral hygiene regimen: an in vitro analysis

The prevalence of gingivitis is substantial within the general population, necessitating rigorous oral hygiene maintenance.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed a Garcinia indica (GI) fruit extract-based mouthrinse, comparing it to a 0.1% turmeric mouthrinse and a 0.2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinse. The evaluation encompassed substantivity, staining potential, antimicrobial efficacy and cytocompatibility.

METHODOLOGY

The study employed 182 tooth sections. For antimicrobial analysis, 64 extracted human teeth coated with a polymicrobial biofilm were divided into four groups, each receiving an experimental mouthrinse or serving as a control group with distilled water. Microbial reduction was assessed through colony forming units (CFU). Substantivity was evaluated on 54 human tooth sections using a UV spectrophotometer, while staining potential was examined on 64 tooth sections. Cytocompatibility was tested using colorimetric assay to determine non-toxic levels of 0.2% GI fruit extract, 0.1% Turmeric, and 0.2% CHX.

RESULTS

Data were analysed with one-way ANOVA (α=0.05). Cell viability was highly significant (p<0.001) in the 0.2% GI group (64.1±0.29) compared to 0.1% Turmeric (40.2±0.34) and 0.2% CHX (10.95±1.40). For antimicrobial activity, both 0.2% GI (20.18±4.81) and 0.2% CHX (28.22±5.41) exhibited no significant difference (P>0.05) at end of 12 hours. However, 0.1% Turmeric showed minimal CFU reduction (P<0.001). Substantivity results at 360 minutes indicated statistically significant higher mean release rate in 0.1%Turmeric (12.47±5.84 ) when compared to 0.2% GI (5.02±3.04) and 0.2% CHX (4.13±2.25) (p<0.001). The overall discoloration changes (∆E) were more prominent in the 0.2% CHX group (18.65±8.3) compared to 0.2% GI (7.61±2.4) and 0.1% Turmeric (7.32±4.9) (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study supports 0.2% GI and 0.1% Turmeric mouth rinses as potential natural alternatives to chemical mouth rinses. These findings highlight viability of these natural supplements in oral healthcare.

The effect of a multicomponent oral care regimen on gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Oral care regimens can be explored to improve oral health in patients with gingivitis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multicomponent oral care regimen with a dual zinc plus arginine (DZA) toothpaste and cetylpyridinium chloride with zinc lactate (CPC + Zn) mouthwash in reducing gingival bleeding in patients with gingivitis.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial included 94 participants with gingivitis who were randomized into two groups: the DZA/CPC + Zn group, which used a 1450-ppm fluoride toothpaste containing 0.96% zinc plus 1.5% arginine and a fluoride-containing mouthwash with 0.075% CPC and 0.28% zinc lactate, and the control group, which used a 1450-ppm fluoride toothpaste and a placebo mouthwash for 6 months. All participants were examined by a blinded examiner who measured the gingival index, plaque index, and gingival severity index. Data were analyzed using paired t test, independent t test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

RESULTS

Both groups presented statistically significant reductions in all clinical parameters compared to baseline. The DZA/CPC + Zn group exhibited significantly greater reductions in gingival index, gingival severity index, proximal gingival index, plaque index and proximal plaque index compared to the control group at 1, 3, and 6 months. Furthermore, DZA/CPC + Zn significantly decreased the percentage of patients with generalized gingivitis over a 6-month follow-up period. However, differences between the DZA/CPC + Zn and the control groups were not maintained after both groups established similar regimens with fluoride toothpaste.

CONCLUSION

The multicomponent oral care regimen consisting of DZA toothpaste and CPC + Zn mouthwash is effective in reducing gingival inflammation and supragingival biofilm in patients with gingivitis.

In Vitro Effect of Mouthrinses on the Microhardness of Three Different Nanohybrid Composite Resins

Introduction

Daily use of different mouthrinses at home or in the dental office can alter the properties of resin hardness. The present study aimed to compare Vickers microhardness (VHN) in vitro of nanohybrid composite resins (NCRs) immersed in mouthrinses.

Materials and Methods

In total, 120 discs (10 ⨯ 2 mm) were prepared from three NCR shade A2 (n = 40/group) with FiltekTM Z350 XT (Z350XT), Tetric EvoCeram (TEC), and Polofil NHT (PNHT). The specimens were incubated in artificial saliva (37°C ⨯ 24 hr). Specimens were distributed into four mouthrinses (n = 10/group) of artificial saliva (control), chlorhexidine (CHX 0.12%, pH 5.6), cetylpyridine chloride (CPC 0.075%, pH 5.84), and CHX 0.12% + CPC 0.05% (pH 6.2) (2 times/day, 2' ⨯ 12 hr). The VHN (300 gf/10") was measured after 24 hr, 14, and 21 days. Data were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance, followed by post hoc Tukey analysis at 0.05 level of significance.

Results

The results revealed a global effect of the interaction of the mouthrinses ⨯ time between NRC evaluated (P=0.001). Baseline VHN in PNHT and Z350XT was higher than TEC. Within each group of NCR, VHN of CHX + CPC > other mouthrinses (PNHT/14 days; Z350XT/21 days), and >CPC (Z350XT/14 days). In mouthrinses-intragroups, VHN of PNHT and Z350XT decreased at 14 days (CHX, CPC) and was maintained over time in NCR (CHX + CPC). VHN-TEC was similar among groups.

Conclusion

Microhardness showed differences due to the interaction of the type of NCR, the composition of the mouthrinses, and time. VHN decreased after 14 days and was more affected in composite resins with lower filler content and in mouthrinses with a lower pH.

Effectiveness of Mouthwashes in Managing Oral Diseases and Conditions: Do They Have a Role?

Antimicrobial mouthwashes are considered to reduce dental plaque biofilm and thus the potential to prevent plaque-induced oral diseases, particularly periodontal diseases. The effectiveness of mouthwashes relates to this antiplaque role, as well as, their tooth-whitening potential and ability to mask/mange malodour (halitosis). There is also a growing interest in the use of mouthwashes as an adjunctive measure in post surgical and post-dental care, while the COVID-19 pandemic has given a new lease of life to mouthwashes as an oral antispetic that may be useful in reducing the oral viral load. The mode of action of mouthwashes varies, depending on their active ingredients, concentrations, and mode and frequency of use, as does their potential effectiveness. This article aims to provide a narrative overview of the evidence of the effectiveness of the most widely used mouthwashes in managing oral diseases, oral conditions, and adjunctive care roles.

Revisiting Oral Antiseptics, Microorganism Targets and Effectiveness

A good oral health status is mostly dependent on good oral hygiene habits, which knowingly impacts systemic health. Although controversial, chemical oral antiseptics can be useful in adjunct use to mechanical dental plaque control techniques in the prevention and management of local and overall health and well-being. This review aims to revisit, gather and update evidence-based clinical indications for the use of the most popular oral antiseptics, considering different types, microorganism targets and effectiveness in order to establish updated clinical recommendations.

Efficacy of 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash as an adjunct to toothbrushing compared with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation: A randomized control trial

OBJECTIVES

This study determined the efficacy of alcohol-free 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthwash as an adjunct to twice-daily toothbrushing in comparison with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouthwash and a placebo in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. The side effects of the mouthwashes were also determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A double-blind, parallel, randomized control trial was conducted with 219 university students who were divided into three trial groups using block randomization: CPC, CHX and placebo groups. Clinical oral examinations to assess dental plaque accumulation (modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index), gingival health (Löe and Silness Gingival Index) and tooth staining (modified Lobene Stain Index) were performed at baseline and at 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Plaque and gingivitis scores were not significantly different among participants at baseline. After 6 weeks, plaque and gingivitis scores between the CPC and placebo groups and between the CHX and placebo groups were found to be significantly different. However, there was no significant difference between the CPC and CHX groups. The staining scores of participants in the CPC group were lower than those in the CHX group, but the difference was not significant. Taste alteration and numbness were more common among participants in the CHX group than in the CPC group. No significant difference in the perception of a burning sensation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The 0.05% CPC mouthwash was as efficient as 0.12% CHX mouthwash in reducing dental plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation with fewer side effects, supporting its use as an adjunct to toothbrushing.

Mouthwashes and the Effect on the Viral Load of SARS-CoV-2 in Saliva: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND: At present, several active ingredients have been investigated in mouthwashes having certain virucidal properties, which could reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 to avoid contamination in medical or dental practice. AIM: The objective of this review is to analyze the available evidence regarding mouthwashes and their effect on the salivary viral load of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: Records were retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library up to June 21, 2022. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials were included where saliva samples and laboratory or in vitro studies were used in the presence of saliva. RESULTS: After a systematic selection process, 11 clinical studies that evaluated at least one mouthwash within clinical protocols and three laboratory studies that evaluated the virucidal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of saliva were finally included. CONCLUSION: There are oral disinfectants with virucidal action in saliva samples, under clinical and laboratory conditions, capable of reducing the viral load of SARS-CoV-2. Cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, and povidone-iodine present the best results so far. However, it was also possible to find active principles of recent appearance that, based on favorable exploratory results, needs further investigation on their efficacy and possible adverse events.

Preliminary Evaluation of a NitrAdine-Based Brushing Solution for Patients Suffering from Gingivitis: A Prospective Clinical Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVES

 This article aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a nonantibiotic biofilm-removal formulation based on NitrAdine (PerioTabs), combined with a regular home oral hygiene regimen, in Caucasian patients with gingivitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A sample of 60 patients were included in this clinical prospective study. All selected subjects underwent regular prophylaxis and professional oral hygiene at baseline; 30 days later, they were recalled for the measurements of the reference parameters about bleeding on probing (full-mouth bleeding upon probing score [FMBS]) and plaque index (full-mouth plaque score [FMPS]); no other clinical procedure was performed. Consequently, half of the patients (n = 30) were instructed to use PerioTabs for 10 days. The remaining patients (n = 30) were used as the negative control, only instructed to continue with their usual oral hygiene regimen. Fifteen days after, the clinical parameters of FMBS and FMPS were re-evaluated in both groups.

RESULTS

 Changes in the scores of clinical indices FMBS and FMPS were calculated and compared. A significant difference between pre- and post-values, for both FMBS and FMPS, was noticed in the test group; in particular, the bleeding index value demonstrated the more significant changes: 22 participants showed a clinically meaningful improvement, and 5 had a small improvement. Only three patients had no evidence of change. In addition, 50% of patients had a reduction in plaque levels. No side effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

 The adjunctive use of 10-day PerioTabs treatment in the daily oral hygiene routine seemed to be efficient in reducing gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation, with absence of adverse effects. These results should be confirmed in studies with a larger number of participants following a controlled-blinded design.

Evidence on the Use of Mouthwash for the Control of Supragingival Biofilm and Its Potential Adverse Effects

Antimicrobial mouthwash improves supragingival biofilm control when used in conjunction with mechanical removal as part of an oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash is intended to suppress bacterial adhesion during biofilm formation processes and is not aimed at mature biofilms. The most common evidence-based effects of mouthwash on the subgingival biofilm include the inhibition of biofilm accumulation and its anti-gingivitis property, followed by its cariostatic activities. There has been no significant change in the strength of the evidence over the last decade. A strategy for biofilm control that relies on the elimination of bacteria may cause a variety of side effects. The exposure of mature oral biofilms to mouthwash is associated with several possible adverse reactions, such as the emergence of resistant strains, the effects of the residual structure, enhanced pathogenicity following retarded penetration, and ecological changes to the microbiota. These concerns require further elucidation. This review aims to reconfirm the intended effects of mouthwash on oral biofilm control by summarizing systematic reviews from the last decade and to discuss the limitations of mouthwash and potential adverse reactions to its use. In the future, the strategy for oral biofilm control may shift to reducing the biofilm by detaching it or modulating its quality, rather than eliminating it, to preserve the benefits of the normal resident oral microflora.

Knowledge About Biosafety Measures in Clinical Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study With Brazilian Dental Students

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of Brazilian dental students about biosafety measures that should be adopted in the clinical setting during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 1050 dental students was conducted. A semi-structured questionnaire was shared with students. Mean knowledge score on biosafety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic was the outcome, with a maximum of 8 scores. Explanatory variables included sociodemographic and educational characteristics, aspects related to biosafety education, actions adopted by the dental schools during the pandemic, and sources of biosafety information. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Mean knowledge score was 5.19 (1.28). Female students (β = 0.346; 95% CI: 0.154-0.539), those enrolled in the intermediate (β = 0.525; 95% CI: 0.167-0.883) or final (β = 0.569; 95% CI: 0.200-0.937) stage of course, and those who had already received theoretical-practical training in biosafety (β = 0.464; 95% CI: 0.063-0.866) presented higher mean knowledge scores. Students who did not receive guidance on aerosol control measures before the pandemic (β = -0.324; 95% CI: -0.519 to -0.130) had the lowest score.

CONCLUSION

Students presented a medium level of knowledge about dental biosafety measures concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic characteristics and those related to the institutional profile of the participants, and access to orientation and training in biosafety, may influence their knowledge.

Effectiveness of interdental cleaning devices with active substances: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the literature on the efficacy of interdental cleaning devices (ICDs) used with active substances, as adjuncts to toothbrushing, in comparison with toothbrushing alone or with ICDs without active substances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Searches for randomized clinical trials were performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane (CENTRAL), and Web of Science. Two independent researchers performed study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment; a third one resolved any disagreement. Meta-analysis was not feasible, and a narrative approach was used to synthesize the evidence.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included. Dental floss with chlorhexidine was used in five studies, whereas interdental brushes with chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride were used in one study each. ICDs with active substances resulted in significantly higher antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacies than without ICDs (n = 3). ICDs with and without active substances demonstrated contrasting results. For this comparison, six studies were included for each outcome. Significantly higher antigingivitis efficacy of ICDs with active substances was noted in four studies, whereas significantly higher antiplaque efficacy of ICDs with active substances was reported in three studies. All comparisons demonstrated a very low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no robust evidence for the additional clinical efficacy of ICDs with active substances regarding their antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacies. These devices may have additional clinical efficacy when compared with the absence of interproximal hygiene.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of ICDs helps maintain or achieve periodontal health. However, the adjunct use of active substances may not provide additional benefits.

Contamination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria on toothbrushes used with mechanically ventilated patients: A cross sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria on used toothbrushes of mechanically ventilated patients.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting toothbrushes used with mechanically ventilated patients. The total bacterial count on each toothbrush was assessed by culturing on Trypticase soy agar (TSA). Gram stain and biochemical testing were used to identify bacterial species. Antibiotic susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria was assessed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.

RESULTS

Thirty-five toothbrushes (97%) had bacterial contamination, 27 toothbrushes had at least two bacterial species, and 13 toothbrushes harboured antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Klebsiella spp. (21%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (18%). Five isolates of A. baumannii, six isolates of K. pneumoniae, and two isolates of Enterobacter cloacae were multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Four isolates of K. pneumoniae were identified as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains, and two isolates of P. aeruginosa were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). The average total bacterial count was 10⁴-10⁵ CFU/toothbrush head.

CONCLUSIONS

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria were detected on toothbrushes. Therefore, practice of toothbrush care should be reconsidered in associated to maintaining the oral hygiene of mechanically ventilated patients to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).