Comparative Evaluation of Efficiency of Conventional Floss, Expandable Floss and Dental Tape in Removing Interproximal Plaque- A Clinical Study

It is generally accepted that bacterial plaque is an important etiological factor of periodontal

diseases. Despite recent advances in dentistry, mechanical removal of plaque remains the

primary method. But the use of toothbrush alone does not serve the purpose of removing

plaque which demands the use of some adjuncts such as proximal cleaning aids. Some of

the proximal aids include dental floss, interdental brush, toothpicks, dental tape etc. A total

of 48 subjects were divided into 3 groups, 16 in each group and the flosses were distributed

randomly among the groups to determine the plaque removal efficiency of each. The

patients were recalled at week 2,4,6, and 8. At each visit, the following indices were

assessed: gingival index, papillary bleeding index and Rustogi modified Navy Plaque

index. The load bearing capacity of the floss was tested with the universal testing machine

and the anti-shred property of the flosses were checked using the stereo microscope. There

are fewer studies comparing the effectiveness and anti- shred property of conventional

floss, expandable floss and dental tape. Not much information is present regarding dental

tape probably due to the assumed similarity between conventional floss and dental tape.

This study aims to compare the interproximal plaque removal efficiency between

conventional floss, expandable floss and dental tape.