Efficacy of a Plaque Disclosing Toothpaste on Home Oral Hygiene Procedures

Plaque accumulation on tooth and gingival surfaces is a causative factor for oral diseases such as demineralization, dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. 1 Thus, the maintenance of an adequate level of plaque control by the individual through his or her daily oral hygiene is vital to prevent and control periodontal disease which can result in tooth mobility and tooth loss. 2 Tooth brushing and flossing have been the cornerstone of oral hygiene and health.2 However, the high incidence and prevalence of gum problems in both the developed and developing countries show these mechanical routines are not enough. 1 Studies demonstrate that poor oral hygiene is widespread with about 60% of plaque found on the surfaces of the teeth after brushing.3 Furthermore, many patients find it difficult to comply with this daily regimen of brushing and flossing. 2 This may be due to the lack of manipulative skills, lack of motivation and compliance. 2 According to an overview of the challenges in dental public health in Malaysia by Allan Kah, he stated that only 26% of 15-19-year-old and only 5% of 35-44-year-olds have been reported to have healthy periodontal tissues. 4 Studies such as the one done by Deliargyris, showed that periodontal disease was associated with the enhanced systemic inflammatory response with various mediators. Thus, it may contribute to systemic diseases. For example, periodontal disease has been linked to atherosclerosis via an increased level of serum C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation and a high-risk factor for coronary artery disease.5 Hence, there is a need to increase education and improve brushing technique. This can be done by improving oral hygiene products by incorporating a plaque disclosing dye in the toothpaste.1 The ability to see plaque while brushing will enhance patient's awareness and encourage them to be more thorough when performing oral hygiene. 1 Previous studies done by the Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois have shown that using a toothpaste with a plaque indicating dye such as PlaqueHD® to disclose plaque while brushing resulted in more than four times as much plaque elimination between visits (51.3% reduction, p = 0.015) than participants using only the placebo toothpaste (8.3% reduction, p=0.189). 1 However, one of the limitations of the product used in that study is the high cost of the toothpaste and the difficulty in obtaining the toothpaste in South East Asia.Hence, the present study aims to assess the efficacy of a plaque disclosing toothpaste that is easily available and affordable which was developed with the Health Promotion Board of Singapore, named Shoplaq® in reducing dental plaque.