2004 Volume 46 Issue 1 Pages 51-59
The efficacy of professional tooth cleaning instruction (PTCI) in adolescents to arrest periodontal disease was assessed. Women high school students in Sendai were examined for periodontal conditions using Community Periodontal Index (CPI, WHO) from 2000 to 2003. The total score was represented as the sum of CPI scores for 6 index teeth in each subject. The largest score was represented as the maximum score for 6 index teeth in each subject. We selected 39 subjects having total CPI score (10-14) in 2001 and 26 in 2002 having 10-14 of total CPI score for this prophylactic program. The probing pocket depth of each index tooth was measured in each student. Next, O'Leary Plaque Control Record (O'Leary's PCR) was recorded after 5 min brushing by themselves. Then, subjects had an additional 10 min of brushing by themselves. Finally, brushing was instructed using a conventional brush, Dent EX slim head #33 and one-tuft M (Lion Corp., Tokyo). This PTCI was condncted at 1-week intervals for 10 weeks.
O'Leary's PCR in all subjects decreased significantly from the initial examination to the final one in 2001 (p<0.01) and in 2002 (p<0.001). These changes indicated that subjects acquired techniques to remove the cervical and proximal plaque. Both total and maximum CPI decreased significantly (p<0.05, p<0.001) at the examination after PTCI. The mean probing pocket depth of index teeth decreased slightly at the last PTCI, but no significant differences were seen between the first CPI examination and the last PTCI. Maximum pocket depth decreased significantly at the last examinations in 2001 (p<0.05) and 2002 (p<0.001).
Despite approximately 3% of all students who only received PTCI, smaller total CPI scores increased in all students (p<0.001), so this PTCI for a small group may have spread to the wider group.
Brushing technique was improved by sufficient, repeated PTCI for adolescents and the progression of incipient periodontitis was arrested and improved their periodontal conditions. Consequently, this program may contribute to the prophylaxis of periodontal disease in adolescents.
