Does dentifrice use help to remove plaque? -A Systematic Review.

J Clin Periodontol. 2016 Aug 11. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12615. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

AIMS:

The aim of this systematic review was to establish the efficacy of brushing with and without a dentifrice for dental plaque removal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL, EMBASE and other electronic databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials and subjects ≥18years of age with good general health. Papers that evaluated the effect of toothbrushing with a dentifrice compared to brushing without a dentifrice were included. Data were extracted from the eligible studies, and a meta-analysis was performed where feasible.

RESULT:

The search was conducted until June 2016 and retrieved 10 eligible publications that included 20 comparisons. On average, 49,2% of plaque was removed when brushing was performed with a dentifrice, and 50.3% of plaque was removed when toothbrushing was performed without a dentifrice. The descriptive analysis indicated that the majority of the comparisons did not show an additional effect of dentifrice use. Regarding the meta-analysis of post-brushing scores, no significant difference was observed between toothbrushing with and without a dentifrice (DiffM 0.00, 95%CI [-0.05: 0.05],p=0.91). The meta-analysis of incremental data(as means or percentages) supported and strengthened these findings.

CONCLUSION:

The cumulative evidence for this systematic review demonstrates, that there is moderate certainty that toothbrushing with a dentifrice does not provide an added effect for the mechanical removal of dental plaque. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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