The Effects of Using Plaque-Disclosing Tablets on the Removal of Plaque and Gingival Status of Orthodontic Patients

Özet

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using plaque-disclosing tablets (PDTs) on the plaque and gingivalindex scores of patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances.Methods: In group A (n=16), the subjects were motivated by conventional oral hygiene instructions, including verbal informationabout tooth brushing. The patients in group B (n=17) were motivated using PDTs used in the dentists’ office to show the locations ofbiofilms in addition to the instructions given to group A. Both the chairside demonstration performed in group B and the at-homeuse of disclosing tablets were undertaken by those in group C (n=15). The periodontal parameters were recorded before applying thefixed appliance (T0) and after the first (T1) and third (T2) months.Results: The plaque index (PI) scores of group C were significantly lower (p 0.05) were found between groups A and B. The gingival status ofgroup C did not change significantly (p>0.05) over the three months and was statistically lower when compared to groups A and B.Conclusion: The use of PDTs at home may enhance the plaque removal efficiency and gingival health stability, by facilitating self-examination.