• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.199-205
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• 2022

Background: The use of dental floss is associated with a reduction in dental caries and periodontal disease. According to personal preference, not only thread type but also C type and Y type floss are used. Although the effectiveness of dental floss for removing dental plaque has been proven, plaque removal effect of C type and Y type floss has not been well reported. In this study, the plaque removal effect of C type and Y type floss compared to thread type floss was experimentally verified. Methods: Thread type, C type and Y type floss were used to remove dental plaque. Ten people in each flossing group participated, and by applying dental floss to the 6 incisors of the maxilla and mandible, the degree of dental plaque was analyzed by QLF-D. To evaluate the removal degree of dental plaque before and after flossing, Simple Plaque Score (SPS), Area R30, Area R70, and Area R120 score were measured. Results: In the analysis using the Area R30 fluorescence score of the QLF-D system, the degree of plaque removal according to the application of dental floss was effective in all the thread type (p=0.018), C-type (p=0.012), and Y-type (p=0.012) floss groups compared to before the application of the floss. Among them, C type floss was more effective in removing plaque than thread type and Y type floss. However, the plaque removal effect between the three floss types was not significantly different in ∆SPS (p=0.674), ∆Area R30 (p=0.726), ∆Area R70 (p=0.504), and ∆Area R120 scores (p=0.423). Conclusion: Thread type, C type, and Y type floss were all effective in removing dental plaque, but there was no significant difference in dental plaque removal effect according to the type of floss.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.148-155
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• 2022

Background: The use of dental floss along with a toothbrush is a well-known oral hygiene product that effectively removes dental plaque and reduces the risk of dental caries and periodontal disease. Despite the fact that various types of floss are being used, flossing methods based on the thread type are being taught. In addition, personal preference according to the floss types has not been investigated. In this study, individual preferences according to the floss types were investigated by experiencing various types of dental floss to both floss users and non-users. In addition, the change in intention to use dental floss in the future after flossing experience of non-users was investigated. Methods: General public participated in the individual interview survey (n=419). Subjects responded to the questionnaire after using all of the thread type, Y-type, and C-type floss. All statistics were expressed frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and the chi-squared test was used to determine the statistical significance of associations between the variables. Results: As a result of the analysis, the preference of C-type floss was highest in both floss users and non-users. The biggest reason for not using dental floss was not knowing the necessity of flossing (36.4%). In addition, both floss users and non-users responded that C-type floss was suitable for flossing in the anterior and posterior regions. The change in the positive future intention to use dental floss after flossing experience of non-users was statistically significantly associated with age. Conclusion: This result suggests that there is a need to provide education on how to use dental floss in various forms. Based on this, it will be possible to lead a change in individual's attitude for future oral health through active and continuous flossing experience.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.129-140
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• 2021

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the mitigating effect of using floss and interdental brushes on periodontal health inequality. Methods: This study was based on data acquired from the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII; 2016-2018). We included 11,359 participants aged ≥19 years in the final analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using socioeconomic characteristics, health behavior, health status, and periodontitis status. We analyzed differences in the prevalence of periodontitis according to household income stratified by the use of floss and interdental brush. Results: In the multivariable logistic regression model, the lowest income group had 1.304 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.58) odds ratios for periodontitis than the highest income group. In the interdental brush nonusers or floss nonusers, the lowest income group had significantly higher odds of developing periodontitis. However, we found no significant differences in the periodontitis prevalence between the income groups among the interdental brush users. In the 65-year-old or older group, the same result was observed in the interdental brush and floss users. Conclusions: The results suggest that the use of floss and interdental brushes could alleviate periodontal health inequality.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2016

Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of fluoride application after dental prophylaxis by the type of dental floss. Methods: Artificial caries lesion was made on the surface of cow's permanent teeth having sound enamel surface and vickers hardness number(VHN) was measured. Specimens were classified into APF gel group and artificial saliva group. Each group was divided into waxed floss group and unwaxed flossed group. All specimens were immersed into the artificial saliva for one minute and dental flossing was applied to waxed or unwaxed floss. After washing and drying, APF gel groups were applied with fluoride for four minutes and artificial saliva groups were immersed into the artificial saliva for four minutes. After treatment, specimens were measured by VHN and surface conditions of enamel were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Results: VHN of waxed flossing and fluoride application group increased to $6.78{\pm}2.75$. VHN of unwaxed flossing and fluoride application group increased to $7.36{\pm}2.51$. There was no significant difference between waxed and unwaxed groups(p>0.05). VHN of waxed flossing and artificial saliva group increased to $1.07{\pm}2.84$. VHN of waxed flossing and artificial saliva group increased to $1.05{\pm}3.13$. There was no significant difference between waxed and unwaxed groups(p>0.05). There was significant increase in VHN between waxed/unwaxed flossing and fluoride application. However, waxed/unwaxed flossing with artificial saliva showed no significant VHN increase. SEM demonstrated no residue on the enamel surface in the waxed flossing groups. Conclusions: No difference was found in the remineralization of enamel by waxed flossing or unwaxed flossing.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors related to dental caries and periodontal disease in Korean adults. Methods: The subjects were 5,149 adults over 19 years old who participated in the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012. Data were analyzed by chi-square test and logistic regression analysis using SPSS 18.0 statistical package program. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions of independent variables and 2 kinds of dependent variables including dental caries and periodontal diseases by direct interview. The independent variables included 5 questions of general characteristics, 3 questions of health behavior, 5 questions of oral health behavior, and 4 questions of chronic diseases diagnosed by the doctors. Results: The prevalence rate of dental caries was higher in those who did not regularly work out and did not receive regular checkups including dental floss and dental brush use. The prevalence rate of periodontal diseases was higher in male adults, smokers, and those who were obese and had diabetes mellitus, poor oral health care habit without using dental floss and inter-dental brush. Conclusions: In order to prevent the dental caries in the adults, it is very important to do regular exercise and regular dental checkup. The best ways of dental caries prevention include tooth brushing after meal with use of dental floss and inter-dental brush. This study suggests that dental health promotion can be enhanced by smoking cessation, ideal body weight maintenance, timely tooth brushing after meal, and use of dental floss and inter-dental brush.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.685-698
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was to examine the recognition and understanding of the use, application of oral hygiene supplies among dental clinic patients in a bid to stress the necessity of education on the right awareness and use of oral hygiene supplies, to provide information on the development of educational programs and ultimately to help promote the oral health of people in general. Methods : The subjects in this study were 314 patients who visited dental clinics in North Jeolla Province in June 2009. Results : 1. Out of oral hygiene supplies, the largest number of the patients investigated(74.6%) were best cognizant of dental floss, and the greatest group(77.7%) had the right understanding of the use of toothpick. Currently, the oral hygiene supplies that were most widely in use were toothpicks(43.2%). 2. As to the relationship of awareness and understanding of the use, application of oral hygiene supplies to subjective oral health status, 50.0 percent of the patients who understood the use of toothpick found themselves to be in good health, and the gaps between them and the others were statistically significant. Among those who were aware of dental floss, the largest group(51.4%) considered themselves to be in good shape, and in the event of those who understood the use of dental floss, the greatest group(49.2%) deemed themselves to be in good health. Out of those who understood the use of mouse rinse, the largest group(53.7%) thought they were in good health(p<0.05). 3. Recognition of interdental brush, understanding of its use and whether to use it currently or not were identified as parents to use oral hygiene supplies recommended by dental clinics(p<0.05). 4. Recognition of interdental brush, understanding of its use and whether to use it currently or not were identified as patients to use oral hygiene supplies recommended by dental clinics(p<0.05). 5. The largest group of those who didn't put dental floss to use didn't use it for other reasons unspecified in the questionnaire, and the second greatest group of them didn't use it since it was so onerous to do that. There were statistically significant differences in the reason why they didn't use the oral hygiene supplies(p<0.05). 6. Awareness of dental floss and interdental brush, understanding of the use of the two and whether to use the two at present or not made statistically significant differences to whether they were likely to use the oral hygiene supplies in the future. And whether they were likely to use the oral hygiene supplies in the future was statistically significantly different according to awareness of mouse rinse and understanding of the use of it as well(p<0.05). Conclusions : Dental hygienists have to provide patients with various data of oral hygiene devices through oral health education and then only patients caring in dental clinics can choose the appropriate devices to claim for their own disease.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.563-572
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• 2004

Since bacterial plaque is known as the major cause of every oral disease, it is necessary to control plaque to maintain periodontal health. Although tooth brushing has been the typical method of plaque control, additional use of plaque control devices are necessary for cleansing interdental areas. Dental floss has been used for a long time as the additional plaque control device and proved to be effective. The newly developed embossed new dental pick is composed of elastic plastic material in form with its tip longer than other toothpick. In addition, as thickness of the tip gradually increases, it can be adapted easily with minimal trauma to interdental gingiva. The embossed tip can remove dental plaque easily, and the opposite end can approach lingual and palatal areas through triple angulation. Therefore, the authors studied the effect of embossed new dental pick and dental floss on periodontally involved 15 patient. The following results were obtained. 1. For embossed new dental pick, probing depth at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks were $3.6{\pm}0.6mm$, $3.4{\pm}0.5mm$, $3.2{\pm}0.5mm$, respectively, and $4.2{\pm}0.9mm$, $4.1{\pm}0.9mm$, $4.0{\pm}0.9mm$, respectivly for clinical attachment level. 2. In case of embossed new dental pick, bleeding on probing at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks were $43.0{\pm}4.4%$, $28.5{\pm}5.1%$, $22.2{\pm}5.6%$, respectively, and, at 1 week and 4 weeks, they were significantly different from that of dental floss. 3. Gingival index of toαhpick at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks were $1.7{\pm}0.5$, $1.0{\pm}0.3$, $0.9{\pm}0.2$, respectively, and, $1.7{\pm}0.5$, $1.1{\pm}0.4$, $1.0{\pm}0.4$, respectively for plaque index, and $3.0{\pm}0.5$, $1.7{\pm}0.5$, $1.4{\pm}0.4$, respectively for proximal plaque index. proximal plaque index at 4 weeks was significantly different from that of dental floss. 4. The result of questionnaire showed that the two types of device were both satisfactory, however, embossed new dental pick had higher preference as well as satisfaction. As a result, embossed new dental pick is thought to be clinically effective for its simplicity and good accessibility.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.149-160
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• 2008

This study has been performed for patients who visited dental clinic in Daegu and kyungpook area. The oral health care, dental treatments about the use of oral hygiene devices were obtained through self-administering questionnaires from 1 to 30, August, 2006. The obtained results were as follows: 1. The average percent of using dental floss was 34.2%, followed by interproximal brush was 33.9%, mouthrinse was 33.5%, electric toothbrush was 19.6%, orthodontic brush was 10.6%, and tongue cleaner was 10.2%. 2. Poor to perceive oral health was 36.4% in the patients who perceived oral hygiene device, and there was statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Moderate to perceive oral health was 40.8% in the patients who using oral hygiene device, and there was also statistically significant difference (p<0.05). 3. In the patients who 3 or 4 times toothbrushing a day, the average percent of perceived oral hygiene device was 67.7%, and the average percent of using oral hygiene device was 59.8% (p<0.05). In the patients who had experience of toothbrush education, the average percent of perceived oral hygiene device was 81.8%, and the average percent of using oral hygiene device was 58.1% (p<0.05). 4. The average percent of perceived oral hygiene device was 67.9% in dental implant treated patient, and was 69.0% in patients with cold teeth (p<0.05). The average percent of using oral hygiene device was 64.2% in prosthesis treated patient, and was 83.3% in patients with cold teeth (p<0.05). The average percent of non-using oral hygiene device was 67.6% in orthodontic treated patient (p<0.05). 5. In patient with periodontal disease, the average percent of using interproximal brush was 44.3%, followed by dental floss was 35.4%, mouthrinse was 27.8%, and electric toothbrush was 21.5%. In prosthesis treated patient, the average percent of using interproximal brush was 31.6%, followed by dental floss was 28.9%, and mouthrinse was 23.7%. In orthodontic treated patient, the average percent of using orthodontic brush was 82.4%, followed by interproximal brush was 64.7%, and mouthrinse was 47.1%. In dental implant treated patient, the average percent of using interproximal brush was 50.0%, followed by mouthrinse was 46.4%, and dental floss was 25.0%.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.721-729
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the actual use of interdental care products (ICPs), such as dental floss (DF) and interdental brushes (IDB), among Korean youth, confirm their relevance to periodontal health, and determine the factors that influence the use of each product. Methods: This study included 15,912 young adults aged 19-39 years and data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2007-2018). The usage rate of ICPs according to the characteristics of the subjects for each cycle of KNHANES was presented. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the use of ICP. Results: The use rates of DF and IDB gradually increased until the 7th period, reaching 34.8% and 26.8%, respectively. The rate of using more than one ICP also showed a tendency to gradually increase from 25.2% in the 4th period to 50.0% in the 7th period. The use of interdental care products is related to gingivitis and periodontitis. Factors related to the use of ICP were gender, age, education level, frequency of brushing, and dental examination experience. Conclusions: The use of dental floss or interdental toothbrushes was related to periodontal health, but only half of the adults aged 19-39 years used ICP. Therefore, oral health experts should actively encourage the use of DF and IDB in young adults.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.91-103
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on usage patterns of oral hygiene supplies of patients visiting a dental clinic. Methods : A questionnaire survey was administered to 592 patients visiting a dental clinic based in Daegu from December 2, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Statistical analysis was done with IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. Results : For awareness of oral toothbrushes, electric toothbrushs had the highest ratio(67.6%), and for awareness of auxiliary oral hygiene devices, dental floss had the highest ratio (77.7%). For toothbrushes used, interdental brushes had the highest user ratio(34.3%), and for using auxiliary oral hygiene devices, dental floss had the highest ratio(37.7%). Age had an influence on the awareness of oral hygiene devices. Gender and Age had influence on the use of oral hygiene devices. Of the total respondents, 34.6% citied "do not need to do that" as the reason for not using oral hygiene supplies, followed by "do not know" (34%) and "it is tiresome" (30.4%). Conclusions : To effectively improve oral health status, a good motivation method necessary to promote the use of oral hygiene supplies.