A Clinical Comparison of the Effectiveness of Conventional Dental Floss and a Coated, Elastomeric Dental Ribbon.
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the clinical effectiveness of a coated, elastomeric dental ribbon as a suitable substitute for conventional dental floss. Thirty seven healthy volunteer patients with at least 28 teeth and no overt oral pathoses participated. After a screening examination and a cleaning, baseline data was collected for gingivitis and plaque accumulation. Using a computer generated randomization table, each patient went through a three week period using no floss, conventional floss or the coated elastomeric ribbon. Gingivitis and plaque scores were collected after each treatment period and statistically analyzed. The range of treatment means was in all cases less than half the minimum standard deviation of the individual groups being compared and analysis of variance produced F ratios well below the 95% confidence level. It is concluded that no differences exist between floss and elastomeric tape for plaque removal and/or the ability to control gingivitis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA076564
Entities
People
- Lewis Menaker
- Thomas Weatherford