A modified fluoride toothpaste technique (MFTT) can significantly reduce the incidence of new carious lesions in orthodontic patients, according to researchers from the University of Gothenburg and King Saud University (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, September 2010, Vol. 138:3, pp. 285-291).
In a two-year study, 100 orthodontic patients were randomly divided into two groups, 51 in the test group and 49 in the control group. Each patient was examined before starting orthodontic treatment (baseline) and shortly after debonding (follow-up). At each of these visits, the patients were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire, followed by plaque index registration, intraoral clinical examination, and radiographic examination (bitewings).
The test group patients were instructed to use the MFTT, which combines toothpaste slurry rinsing with other simple postbrushing steps. The control group patients were given the same fluoridated toothpaste as the test group and routine clinical oral hygiene instructions.
Compared with the control group, the test group had significantly better plaque index scores at the end of the study, the researchers found. At follow-up, the clinical (p < 0.001), radiographic (p < 0.001), and clinical plus radiographic (p < 0.001) incidences of decayed and filled surfaces were significantly reduced: 87%, 78%, and 83%, respectively, in the test group compared with the control group.
"Compared with routine oral hygiene instructions with fluoride toothpaste, the use of the MFTT significantly reduced the incidence of new carious lesions in orthodontic patients," the researchers concluded. "We believe that this simple regimen should be considered in orthodontic clinics."
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