{"title":"A 'Black Diamond', But Not a 'Silver Bullet': Oral Health Professionals' Perception of SDF Use in New Zealand-A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Batool Ghashi, Hanna Olson, Zeina Al Naasan","doi":"10.1111/idh.70153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Despite the free childhood dental care in New Zealand (NZ), the need for extensive dental treatment, particularly hospital dental treatment is on the rise. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of oral health professionals and cariology experts on the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in reducing outpatient dental hospitalisation and oral health inequity among NZ paediatric patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative approach was applied. Thirteen registered oral health professionals, who routinely provide restorative and curative care to children in NZ, alongside cariology experts, participated in semi-structured one-to-one interviews. The transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The data analysis led to three major themes: Theme one: 'Black Diamond', referring to SDF's benefits and effectiveness in caries management with significant focus on its potential to reduce the demand for dental treatment under general anaesthesia (GA). However, post-treatment black staining raised universal concern. Theme two: Transparency, emphasising public awareness, dental professionals' knowledge and informed consent. Thus, informed consent must be discussed with patients and caregivers who must understand SDF outcomes. Theme three: Teeth tell stories, highlighting oral health inequity. While SDF may be a game changer for caries management and enhancing oral health care accessibility, addressing systemic inequity is essential to improve oral health equity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SDF is a valuable, yet limited option for arresting caries and reducing GA treatment demand. Clear communication and informed consent are important before SDF application. While it may enhance dental care accessibility, SDF alone is not sufficient to eliminate oral health inequities.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148792790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Brief Smoking Cessation Interventions Delivered to Adult Smokers by Dental Auxiliaries in Primary Healthcare: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Arwa M Mahasneh, Huda Yusuf, Manu Raj Mathur","doi":"10.1111/idh.70152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This scoping review aims to assess the current smoking cessation services provided by dental auxiliaries, the populations they serve and the barriers and facilitators they encounter in delivering these services. Additionally, it aims to inform evidence-based recommendations for delivering brief smoking cessation interventions by dental auxiliaries in primary healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following the JBI scoping review methodology and the PRISMA-ScR checklist, we searched primary research, reviews and grey literature without restrictions on location, publication date, or language. Searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO) and supplemented by an internet search for the grey literature. Two independent reviewers screened records for relevance, extracted data and categorised findings into tables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The initial search yielded 668 references, of which 141 were duplicates and 469 were excluded during the title and abstract screening stage. Fifty-eight studies underwent full-text assessment, and 15 were included in the review. The updated search identified 54 additional records. After the removal of three duplicates, 51 were screened, and all were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Findings reveal that dental auxiliaries play an important role in smoking cessation within primary healthcare settings. The included intervention studies reported improvements in quit attempts, smoking reduction, abstinence rates and adherence to smoking cessation guidelines, particularly for interventions based on the 5A's model. Organisational support, training and access to smoking cessation resources facilitated intervention implementation. However, time constraints, inadequate reimbursement and patient-related barriers' attitudes remained the most reported barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights the critical role of dental auxiliaries in smoking cessation efforts and provides insights for developing targeted interventions. By addressing identified barriers and facilitators, interventions can be enhanced to support smoking cessation in primary dental care.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148792777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dental Flossing in Early Adolescence as a Predictor of Habit Maintenance Over Time.","authors":"Maile Maísa Langbecker, Eduarda da Silveira Borstmann, Michele Inês Baierle, Tassia Silvana Borges, Jessica Klöckner Knorst, Renita Baldo Moraes","doi":"10.1111/idh.70130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of use of dental flossing and associated factors over time.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This two-wave longitudinal observational study was conducted using an online questionnaire, which included adolescents and young adults who participated in a cross-sectional study in 2012. Dental flossing was assessed using the question 'Do you use dental floss?' Sociodemographic factors, use of dental services, self-perception of oral health and need for dental care were also evaluated. Data were analysed using adjusted Poisson regression analysis. Results are presented in prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 202 individuals were followed over time. Of these, 49.01% reported using dental floss at least twice a week and 23.27% used it daily. Individuals who used dental floss daily in childhood had a 69% higher prevalence of flossing over time (PR 1.69; 95% CI 1.12-2.45). Those who had visited the dentist in the last year (PR 1.34; 95% CI 1.02-1.77), who used private oral health services (PR 1.54; 95% CI 1.15-2.06) and who reported excellent/good self-perceived oral health (PR 1.51; 95% CI 1.14-2.00) also showed a higher prevalence of flossing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The use of dental floss in childhood is positively associated with its continuation into adulthood, reinforcing the importance of establishing oral hygiene habits early in life.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148792828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparing Oral Care Interventions for the Management of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Adult Patients in Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Jafar Alabdullah, Yasemin Sezgin, Foluke Stella Bosun-Arije","doi":"10.1111/idh.70145","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70145","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common but preventable complication in mechanically ventilated adults. Nurse-delivered oral care is central to VAP prevention; however, the comparative effectiveness of distinct oral care intervention strategies remains unclear. The aim of this review was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of multiple oral care approaches- including herbal, natural agents, chlorhexidine (CHX)-based protocols, ozonated water and oral care bundles-in reducing VAP incidence among adult patients in the ICU.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Seven databases were searched for studies published between January 2015 and June 2025. Title and abstract screening were independently reviewed by two reviewers, while conflicts were resolved by the third reviewer. After the full-text review, 11 articles that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool. Due to the heterogeneity of interventions, findings were synthesised narratively and grouped according to the primary intervention strategy evaluated in each study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three dominant themes emerged from the 11 reviewed articles. These were: Alternative mouthwashes compared with CHX for their effects on VAP incidence in the ICU, CHX concentration and timing, and their comparison with VAP control and oral care protocols, as well as mechanical interventions for VAP management. The evaluated interventions included herbal and natural agents (propolis, clove extract and Zataria multiflora), CHX-based protocols, multidisciplinary oral care bundles, and ozonated water. Several herbal and natural agents showed promising reductions in VAP incidence compared with CHX in individual studies. Higher-concentration CHX formulations and structured oral care protocols were generally associated with lower VAP incidence and improved oral health outcomes compared with routine oral care. Ozonated water also demonstrated potential antimicrobial benefits; however, current evidence remains limited by small sample sizes and methodological variability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nurse-delivered oral care is an important component of VAP management in mechanically ventilated adult patients in ICU. Current evidence supports the use of structured and standardised oral care protocols within multidisciplinary ICU practice. Herbal agents and ozonated water demonstrate promising findings; however, further high-quality studies are needed before these interventions can be routinely recommended in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148759939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Herbal Mouthwash and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Salivary Uric Acid and Oral Health-A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Savitha Priyadarsini S, Mahesh R Khairnar, Kamlesh Manohar Palandurkar, Ridhi Ghodela, Naveen Kumar Pg, Neha Shukla, Zainab Akram","doi":"10.1111/idh.70150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This pilot study compared the effects of herbal mouthwash and 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash on salivary uric acid, a primary endogenous salivary antioxidant biomarker, along with plaque index and gingival index. To the best of our knowledge, very few in vivo studies have examined the association between Chlorhexidine use and salivary antioxidant marker changes, highlighting the exploratory nature of the present study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This double blinded clinical trial was performed over a period of 10 days on 28 participants with mild to moderate gingivitis. They were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 14 each). Group A received herbal mouthwash and Group B received 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and after 10 days of mouthwash use for the estimation of salivary uric acid levels. Plaque and gingival conditions were assessed using the Silness and Loe plaque index, Loe and Silness gingival index respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant increase in salivary uric acid levels was observed in both groups following the use of mouthwash for 10 days (p < 0.001). However, the variation in uric acid changes between two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.414). Both mouthwashes demonstrated similar effectiveness in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation, with no statistically significant differences observed between the groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest a potential association between the use of herbal and Chlorhexidine mouthwashes and changes in salivary uric acid levels, which reflect improved oxidative balance in the oral cavity, along with improvements in clinical oral parameters. This supports further exploration of their clinical relevance in managing oxidative stress-related oral conditions.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Clinical Trials Registry-India: CTRI/2025/01/079176.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148759401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Milan Kos, Marija Kolceg Batinic, Jeta Kiseri Kubati, Daniela Kovacevic Pavicic, Stjepan Spalj
{"title":"Perception of Long-Term Changes in Smile Aesthetics Following Dental Bleaching: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Milan Kos, Marija Kolceg Batinic, Jeta Kiseri Kubati, Daniela Kovacevic Pavicic, Stjepan Spalj","doi":"10.1111/idh.70146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate patients' perceptions of colour change induced by tooth whitening over 1 year.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>This study included 50 participants aged 19-28. In 24 patients, teeth were whitened with photoactivated gel, whereas in 26 patients, a placebo gel with peppermint oil was applied to simulate burning. Colour changes were monitored spectrophotometrically. Patients reported procedural pain and psychosocial impact using the Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Personality characteristics were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Short-term (one week) colour change was significantly greater in the active group than in the placebo group (effect estimate 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-2.8; p < 0.001), but this difference decreased in the long term (one year) due to relapse in the active group. Higher pain was reported in the active group than in the placebo group (p = 0.013). Teeth whitening significantly increased satisfaction with orofacial aesthetics (OES) in both groups in the short term (p < 0.001). Long-term satisfaction decreased in the active group, but not in the placebo group. Satisfaction in both groups was higher in the long term than before the intervention. The intervention reduced the OHIP domain scores in both groups in the short term; however, no major changes were observed in the long term. The intensity of short term colour changes in the correlated with the intensity of the change in psychosocial impact (r = -0.304; p = 0.032). A greater long-term colour change was associated with reduced psychosocial impact among introverted participants (p = 0.043).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both tooth whitening and placebo appeared to confer psychosocial benefits, possibly due to colour changes, expectancy effects, and temporary satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This clinical trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT03380702) on 21 December 2017. The trial protocol and statistical analysis plan are available through the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Individual de-identified participant data (including the data dictionary), statistical code and other study materials are available from the institutional repository https://repository.fdmri.uniri.hr/.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research in the Field of Dental Hygiene: A Bibliometric Analysis From 1980 to 2024.","authors":"Septika Prismasari, Jung Yun Kang","doi":"10.1111/idh.70148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70148","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of dental hygiene research from 1980 to 2024, evaluating publication trends, prolific authors, influential journals and emerging research themes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection using the keyword 'dental hygien*' up to December 26, 2024. A total of 3,055 records were screened, of which 2,315 met the inclusion criteria. Bibliometric indicators, including publication trends, global collaborations, citation analysis, author productivity, journal impact and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis identified publication trends, citation counts and keywords with the strongest citation bursts in dental hygiene research from 1980 to 2024, showing a significant increase in research output since the 2000s. This was followed by an analysis of the distribution of countries and organizations, along with an examination of global and institutional collaboration networks. Additionally, the global distribution of journals and authors was analyzed, and their collaborative networks were explored. Citation analysis of authors, references and journals highlighted influential contributors and key works in the field. Finally, keyword analysis revealed five primary research clusters: Education, Prevention, Occupational health, Public health and Oral health in the elderly. Emerging trends suggest growing interest in public health interventions, technology-mediated care and interdisciplinary approaches to oral health.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dental hygiene research has evolved significantly, emphasizing its growing importance in healthcare. Key contributors, influential journals and global collaborations have played a pivotal role in advancing the field. This bibliometric analysis offers meaningful insights into the trends, key contributors and emerging areas of dental hygiene research. The findings from this analysis can serve as a valuable resource for researchers seeking advanced knowledge and applications in the field of dental hygiene.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Melissa L Sullivan, Denise C McKinney, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Deanne Shuman
{"title":"Impact of an Educational Video Intervention on Word Recognition and Vocabulary Knowledge of Paediatric Dental Terms Among Low-Income Caregivers of Young Children.","authors":"Melissa L Sullivan, Denise C McKinney, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Deanne Shuman","doi":"10.1111/idh.70147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on paediatric dental term recognition and vocabulary knowledge among low-income caregivers of young children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized two-group pretest-posttest trial was used to analyze the impact of an educational intervention on caregivers' word recognition and vocabulary knowledge of paediatric dental terms. The study included 60 pregnant women and caregivers with children enrolled in a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the Southeastern United States. Both groups received an educational pamphlet on children's oral health. The experimental group also received an educational video with common paediatric dental terms (e.g., fluoride, decay). The validated Oral Health Literacy Inventory for Parents (OH-LIP) measured word recognition and vocabulary knowledge for 36 paediatric dental terms. Scoring of the inventory was completed by two researchers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline OH-LIP scores for Part I (word recognition) were high in both groups, with a median (IQR) of 95.83 (11.11). In contrast, baseline OH-LIP scores for Part II (vocabulary knowledge) were low to moderate, with a mean (SD) of 39.24 (14.06). In regression analysis, there was no evidence that the intervention significantly improved knowledge scores before (p = 0.62) or after (p = 0.33) adjusting for baseline characteristics. Baseline vocabulary knowledge scores were the strongest predictor of post-intervention scores (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>OH-LIP Part I and II scores changed modestly, but there was no statistically significant difference between groups post-intervention among low-income pregnant women and caregivers. These findings highlight the need for developing and testing different modalities, such as one-to-one education or in-person group education, to improve OHL.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bregje W M van Swaaij, Maud Joosstens, G A Fridus Van der Weijden, Liselet de Vries, Dagmar Else Slot
{"title":"The Effect of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash, With or Without Alcohol, on Plaque and Gingivitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Bregje W M van Swaaij, Maud Joosstens, G A Fridus Van der Weijden, Liselet de Vries, Dagmar Else Slot","doi":"10.1111/idh.70139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study systematically assessed the available literature on the effect of a chlorhexidine mouthwash without alcohol (CHXalc-) compared to a chlorhexidine mouthwash with alcohol (CHXalc+) on plaque and parameters of gingivitis. Side effects and user appreciation were secondary outcomes.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane-CENTRAL databases were searched up to January 2025 to identify eligible studies. Studies evaluating the effect of CHXalc- compared to CHXalc+ were included. A descriptive analysis and, when feasible, a meta-analysis were performed. The risk of bias was assessed, and the body of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After screening, 17 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included. A descriptive analysis demonstrated that most studies showed no differences in plaque, bleeding, and gingivitis scores between CHXalc- and CHXalc+. In non-brushing studies, the overall meta-analysis of plaque scores showed a significant difference in favour of CHXalc+ on end (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI [0.03; 0.95], p = 0.04) and incremental difference scores (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI [0.40; 1.24], p = 0.0001). For brushing studies, the overall meta-analysis showed no significant differences in plaque scores. Further meta-analyses of bleeding and gingival index scores showed, in majority, no significant differences between CHXalc- and CHXalc+. Tooth surface discoloration scores also did not differ. Taste preference was divided, with half of the comparisons with outcomes in favour of CHXalc- and the other half showing no difference.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>When a CHX-mouthwash is used in non-brushing situations, there is weak evidence that CHXalc- provided a reduced effect regarding plaque control than CHXalc+. In brushing situations, there is weak evidence for no difference between CHXalc- and CHXalc+ in terms of plaque control. Regarding parameters of gingival inflammation and side effects, there is weak to moderate evidence indicating no difference between CHXalc- and CHXalc+. Regarding user perception of taste, no clear preference emerged from the eligible papers.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148684433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ahsan Kaleem Khan, Shahrukh Ali Khan, Syed Murtaza Raza Kazmi, Taimur Khalid
{"title":"Efficacy of Electric Tooth Brushing Compared to Manual Toothbrushing in Patients With Special Health Care Needs: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Ahsan Kaleem Khan, Shahrukh Ali Khan, Syed Murtaza Raza Kazmi, Taimur Khalid","doi":"10.1111/idh.70142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The primary objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of electric toothbrushing compared to manual toothbrushing in improving oral hygiene among people with special health care needs, including individuals requiring caregiver assistance as well as those capable of independent brushing with or without supervision, using an evidence-based approach.</p><p><strong>Data/sources: </strong>In April 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted across Medline (PubMed), the Cochrane Library and Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source (DOSS), targeting studies from January 1985 to January 2023. Data was collected using a custom form focusing on study characteristics, population attributes and key outcomes. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool-2 (RoB-2) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a descriptive analysis was performed according to SWiM guidelines.</p><p><strong>Study selection: </strong>Titles and abstracts were screened to exclude duplicates and irrelevant studies, followed by a full-text review of potentially eligible articles. Two independent reviewers assessed each study against predefined criteria. Studies were selected based on their design (RCTs), population (people with special health care needs, including those requiring caregiver assistance or supervision) and outcomes (oral hygiene measures such as plaque index, gingival index, biofilm reduction, microbial salivary count, pocket depth, bleeding on probing, patient and caregiver-reported outcomes). From 3862 studies identified, 14 were included in the final review.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both electric and manual toothbrushes can maintain or improve oral hygiene for patients with special health care needs. Although some studies show electric brushes often lead to better plaque reduction and gingival health, others report comparable outcomes when manual brushing is well supervised. Future research should assess the impact of caregiver training, cost and evolving brush technologies to optimise long-term oral care for individuals with physical or cognitive impairments.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}