A new study by Semmelweis University highlights that personalized oral hygiene devices, when combined with tailored education, significantly outperform regular brushing routines in reducing dental problems. The findings emphasize that customized cleaning tools and proper interproximal cleaning are pivotal for long-term oral health.
The study, involving 102 adult participants, explored how individualized hygiene regimens impact patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease. Participants using electric or manual toothbrushes, interdental brushes, and flosses were compared to those following customized protocols with personalized devices and detailed guidance. Researchers found that patients using individualized tools, along with education, achieved faster and more effective reductions in inflammation and markers of periodontal disease.
Key diagnostic tools, such as bleeding on brushing (BOB) and chair-side matrix-metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) testing, allowed researchers to detect inflammation at its earliest stages. These advanced methods outperformed traditional measures like full mouth plaque scores (FMPS) and full mouth bleeding scores (FMBS), which often identify problems only after visible clinical signs appear.
Patients who received tailored education and used personalized devices saw inflammation reduce significantly within just two weeks, while others took up to 12 weeks to achieve similar results. Dr. Fanni Simon, lead author of the study, emphasized that customized dental care concepts not only reverse gingival inflammation but also slow tissue breakdown and prevent disease progression.
The researchers concluded that integrating personalized hygiene regimens, advanced diagnostic tools, and regular follow-ups into clinical practice can dramatically enhance oral health outcomes. “Tailored care raises dental IQ and disease awareness, paving the way for early intervention and long-term health,” said Dr. Orsolya Németh, corresponding author of the study.