The importance of using interdental cleaning devices on prevention of tooth loss in an employee population: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Tooth loss can lead to an increased risk of physical disease and a reduced quality of life. The current study investigated the association of the use of interdental cleaning devices with oral health outcomes such as tooth loss among employees as a healthier population.

METHOD

Tooth loss was determined as the main outcome in 2017 in a company employee population (n = 845, average age = 47.76 years old, and 25.09% of female). Using the data of dental health examinations in the past 5-years from 2017, the years of use of interdental brushes (IDB) and dental floss (DF) were examined. The Community Periodontal Index (CPI) as of 5-years ago was also examined. The impact of years of use of IDB and DF on tooth loss was analyzed by a logistic regression model in stratifying the subjects into two groups by the maximum CPI (0-2 of CPI [< 4 mm] and 3-4 of CPI [≥ 4 mm]) in all periodontium.

RESULTS

In the group of maximum CPI < 3, a multivariate-adjusted odds ratio of the use of DF for 4-5 years on tooth loss was 0.42 versus for 0-1 year (reference). In the group of maximum CPI ≥ 3, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratio of the use of IDB for 4-5 years was 0.38 versus for 0-1 year (reference).

CONCLUSION

A longer-term use of interdental cleaning devices could improve oral health outcomes in this population, while the impact could differ depending on the basis of periodontal status. These findings would be useful for making strategies for oral health promotion in healthier people as employees.