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Utah's Foremost Platform for Undergraduate Research Presentation
2022 Abstracts

Toothpaste, Who Needs It?

Presenters: Emily Webster
Authors: Brenna Mooney, Emily Webster
Faculty Advisor: Brenda Armstrong
Institution: Dixie State University

Biofilm build up is known to be the principal etiological factor that causes periodontal disease and caries. There are many different opinions on what the best method is to remove this harmful factor. The purpose of this research was to focus in on three different biofilm removal methods and identify which removed the most biofilm. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar using the following terms; dry brushing, wet brushing, dentifrice use. The most common methods found and compared were brushing with a dentifrice vs brushing without a dentifrice and brushing with a wet toothbrush vs brushing with a dry toothbrush. The results on the different methods were compiled and dissected. Biofilm removal within the various studies were averaged. Dry brushing decreased biofilm by 58.2%, brushing with a wetted toothbrush resulted in 55.1% biofilm removal, and brushing with a dentifrice removed 53.3% of biofilm. No significant statistical difference between the different methods was found. Because the use of a dentifrice does not increase biofilm removal, some studies were used to see what benefits come from using a dentifrice. The benefits include; enamel strengthening, anti-sensitivity, and antibacterial effects. Using the results from the research, the dental hygienist can recommend dry brushing following by brushing with a dentifrice maximum biofilm removal while obtaining benefits from a dentifrice.