Effects of Waxed Dental Floss Inclusion in the Regimen of Oral Health of Antarctic Personnel

• Main Authors: Fisher, Earl F, Esquire, Robert G, Eden, George T, Mazzarella, Maurice A
• Other Authors: NAVAL SUBMARINE MEDICAL RESEARCH LAB GROTON CT
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1974
• Subjects: Medicine and Medical Research; *DENTISTRY; *ORAL HYGIENE; *TEETH; DISEASES; MEDICAL RESEARCH; MOUTH; NAVAL PERSONNEL; ORAL HEALTH; PREVENTIVE MEDICINE; STATISTICAL ANALYSIS; TABLES(DATA); *DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS; GINGIVITIS; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0786764; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0786764

Oral health indices were compared for two groups of subjects. One group was trained to use dental floss, the other was not. Professional guidance was rendered at monthly examinations. Oral health indices showed progressive improvement during the winter-over period but regressed towards baseline levels just prior to leaving the Antarctic. This corroborates results of other studies and re-emphasized the need for improved motivational stimulation if high levels of personal oral hygiene are to be maintained in personnel who are subjected to operationally induced stress factors. Statistical inference drawn from the data gathered suggests that dental floss, used regularly as an adjunct to other home care procedures, can aid in achieving and maintaining a significantly higher level of gingival health than is attainable without the use of dental floss.