THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FLOSSING TEETH AND ORAL HEALTH IN ADULTS

Abstract

Background: In older people, the impact of oral habits is largely unknown. The goal of this study was to see if there was a link between flossing at home and the prevalence of periodontal disease in older people.

Methodology: The incidence of tooth loss over a five-year period was also examined. Pearson chi-square tests and covariate-adjusted Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests were used to evaluate dichotomous and categorical variables. Clinical factors were compared using multiple linear regression depending on flossing practice. Molars exhibited the greatest benefit (>40%) for flossing practice (P = 0.0005) among all teeth. In conclusion, flossers had much less oral illness than non flossers when it came to older people. Over a 5-year period, flossers had decreased periodontal disease, dental caries, and tooth loss. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that flossing is an important oral hygiene habit for older persons who want to avoid the progression of oral disease.

Keywords: OHI, interdental cleaning, elderly, prevention, periodontal disease, caries.