Dental Floss Research Paper

TITLE: Factors associated with knowledge and attitude to the use of dental floss at some private and public dental clinics in Lagos State

ABSTRACT

Aims

Dental caries and periodontal diseases which are the two most prevalent oral diseases are dental biofilm dependent. This effect of dental plaque is particularly evident in the interproximal region. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that are associated with knowledge and positive attitude towards the use of dental floss at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, (LASUTH) and 2 private dental clinics in Ikeja and Magodo, Lagos State.

Methods

This prospective descriptive study was conducted at the Oral Diagnosis Clinic of

LASUTH and at two private dental clinics

Diseases of periodontal tissues are the result of an accumulation of plaque and calculus, and the proliferation of pathogenic organisms subgingivally within the sulcus, especially interproximally.

Similarly, most caries-prone areas of the teeth are the interproximal surfaces, the fissures and the gingival third of the smooth surfaces which are associated with undisturbed plaque accumulation.[1] Plaque at interproximal sites has been reported to be more acidogenic than in other areas of the mouth.[2] An increased prevalence of interproximal caries has been found in relation to high caries risk [3] and interproximal surfaces are regarded as especially high-risk sites for caries in individuals with high sugar consumption.

Dental biofilm control represents a basic procedure to prevent these oral diseases.

Mechanical removal of the biofilm, performed by appropriate use of toothbrush has been the main tool in oral hygiene care. The toothbrush is effective in the removal of plaque deposits on the occlusal, buccal/ labial and the lingual/palatal surfaces of the teeth. It however has a very limited role in the removal of interproximal deposits

[11] Flossing is most effective when performed daily, preferably in the evening, to prevent bacteria build-up when asleep.[12] Several studies have shown the usefulness of regular dental flossing for removing interdental plaque and preventing calculus formation.[13,14] The daily use of dental floss once a day for six weeks also resulted in a reduction in both plaque scores and gingivitis.[15] The evidence of effectiveness of flossing on caries prevention is however not very strong.[16] While no effect on the caries rate was found after supervised daily flossing for three year, a caries-prevention effect was found in a group of 10- to 11-year-old children using fluoride-free dental floss more than every second day for two years.[17] There is a need to explore the knowledge and attitude of dental patients to the use of dental floss due to the dearth of publications exploring the use of interdental cleaning devices in Nigeria.

The aim of this study was to determine the factors that are associated with knowledge and attitude to the use of dental floss at the Lagos State University

Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, (LASUTH) and 2 private dental clinics in Ikeja and Magodo,

Lagos