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Loma Linda University

The Effect of Mechanical Plaque Control on the Clinical Parameters of Human Periodontal Disease

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>The purpose of this investigation was to determine the degree of healing which takes place in the periodontal tissues as a result of supragingival and subsequent subgingival plaque control attempts without any associated supra- or subgingival instrumentation and root planing.</p> <p>Seven patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were finally selected for the study. Measurements were made on maxillary and mandibular incisors, cuspids and premolars to establish base line plaque scores, bleeding scores, probing pocket depths, and probing attachment levels. The patients were then instructed in the use of toothbrushes, dental floss and interdental brushes where indicated. Measurements were repeated at monthly intervals until no significant changes in any of the clinical parameters were noted for two consecutive months. At this time the Perio-Aid<sup>® </sup>was introduced for the purpose of subgingival plaque control. Examinations were continued for three additional months. During the 5-month supragingival experimental period the mean plaque scores were reduced from 74% to 7%, mean bleeding on probing scores from 72% to 41%, and mean probing pocket depth from 4.4 to 3.9mm. The mean reduction of probing pocket depth of 0.5mm was the result of 0.2mm loss of attachment and 0.7mm gingival recession. Most of the changes in gingival topography occurred within the first month of the study, whereas bleeding scores showed a gradual reduction during the initial 3-4 months of the experimental period. There was no further change in clinical parameters after the introduction of the Perio-Aid<sup>® </sup>at the 5-month examination.</p> <p>In conclusion, limited changes occurred in the periodontal tissues following supragingival plaque control without any associated instrumentation. </p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science (MS)
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Periodontics
Year
1981

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Cercek, John F., Jr.
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Jan Egelberg
  • Robert D. Kiger

Subjects

dc:subject × 2

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.
Language dc:language
English

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/1229
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-2764

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Loma Linda University
Base URL
scholarsrepository.llu.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Cercek, John F., Jr.. The Effect of Mechanical Plaque Control on the Clinical Parameters of Human Periodontal Disease. Thesis thesis, 1981. https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/1229