J Korean Acad Oral Health.  2025 Mar;49(1):3-11. 10.11149/jkaoh.2025.49.1.3.

The effect of a calibrated interproximal brush on proximal plaque removal and periodontal health: a randomized controlled trial

• Park HJ
• Cho IW
• Ahn HS
• Lee SJ
• Kang DY

• KMID: 2566555
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11149/jkaoh.2025.49.1.3

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate changes in probing depth, bleeding on probing, and three-dimensional plaque distribution after using an interdental brush for three months.
Methods
This was a split-mouth design, examiner-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Fifteen patients were randomly assigned to use an interdental brush between their maxillary left or right 1st and 2nd premolar. They were instructed not to use an interdental brush on the opposite side for three months. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, bleeding on using an interdental brush, gingival recession, and plaque distribution were assessed at baseline and after three months.
Results
After using an interdental brush for three months, 4.26±15.16% of plaque on interdental surfaces decreased. Bleeding on probing and bleeding on using an interdental brush also decreased by 16.67% and 40%, respectively. The size of interdental areas increased by 0.16 mm when using an interdental brush. There were no statistically significant changes in probing depth or gingival recession.
Conclusions
An interdental brush is an effective interdental cleaning aid that reduces interdental plaque and decreases inflammation of interdental soft tissues.

Keyword

Dental plaque; Dental prophylaxis; Home care dental devices; Oral hygiene; Preventive dentistry

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Application of plaque disclosing agents on the tooth surface and irrigation with saline. (A) Disclosing the tooth surface by applying plaque disclosing agents (GUM, Sunstar, Etoy, Switzerland). (B) After cleaning off plaque disclosing agents with saline irrigation.

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  Fig. 2 Measuring the size of the interdental areas with the probe and using appropriate interdental brush.

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  Fig. 3 Interdental access probe.

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  Fig. 4 Nine types of the interdental brush (Curaden, Kriens, Switzerland) (Wire size of the interdental brush).

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  Fig. 5 Interdental brush handle.

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  Fig. 6 3D scan data of the maxillary 1st and 2nd premolars. (A) Maxillary 1st and 2nd premolars. (B) Distal aspects of the maxillary 1st premolar. (C) Mesial aspects of the maxillary 2nd premolar. (D) Disclosed area of the distal aspects of the maxillary 1st premolar. (E) Disclosed area of the mesial aspects of the maxillary 2nd premolar.

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  Fig. 7 Flow diagram.

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  Fig. 8 Box and whisker plots of plaque percentage in interdental brush and control group. (A) At baseline. (B) At 3 months. (C) Changes in 3 months.

Reference

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