Evidence of clinical effect of PLAX prebrushing rinse on oral health is inconclusive
Summary
Studies
Studies considering the efficacy of PLAX on existing plaque and gingivitis were selected from the English literature found through search of MEDLINE and bibliographies of relevant studies, including those published by December 2000. Nineteen studies were included that consisted of primary research in vivo in human subjects, used the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index and/or the Lö and Silness gingival index, and reported mean and measures of variance of plaque and gingivitis scores. Study protocol, data analysis, and presentation of the data were evaluated in a quality assessment exercise, however, no studies considered to be of low quality were excluded since quality ratings had little variance.
Exposure
Two categories: (1) short term (1-day single use of PLAX) and (2) long term (≥1-week use of PLAX).
Main Outcome Measure
Change in plaque and/or gingivitis levels.
Main Results
Results of the quality assessment of the studies showed a high degree of heterogeneity amongs the studies included. Studies within the 2 main categories were further divided into subgroups for analysis because of differences in study design and analysis. A number of the results showed statistical significance, however, inconsistencies in results and the necessity to pool heterogenic data resulted in inconclusive evidence.
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Eastman Dental Institute, UCL London, United Kingdom
ABSTRACT