Abstract: Objective · To compare the effect of traditional plaque control method (Bass method of tooth brushing) and the same method combined with portable dental irrigator on plaque control and gingival inflammation in adult gingivitis and mild chronic periodontitis patients, and explore the role of dental irrigator in oral health maintenance. Methods · Seventy-eight adult patients with gingivitis and mild chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups, toothbrush (control group) and toothbrush combined with dental irrigator (experimental group). The plaque index (PLI), gingiva index (GI), bleeding index (BI) and plaque percentage were measured at baseline, after 2 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. Results · PLI, BI, GI and plaque percentage observed in the control group and experimental group were decreased after 2 weeks of continuous oral hygiene maintenance, compared with the baseline (all P<0.05). PLI, BI, GI and plaque percentage observed in the control group and experimental group were decreased after 6 weeks of continuous oral hygiene maintenance, compared with the baseline (all P<0.05). BIs of smooth surface and adjacent surface in the control group and experimental group after 2 weeks and 6 weeks were improved, compared with baseline, and the improvement of BI in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion · Portable dental irrigator can assist patients to achieve better oral health during periodontal treatment and maintenance, and help them maintain periodontal health.

Key words: portable dental irrigator, plaque index (PLI), plaque percentage, bleeding index (BI), gingiva index (GI)