Cochrane · intervention · CD004625
Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults
Lamont, T, Worthington, HV, Clarkson, JE, et al. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2018 · Cochrane Library
Full textEvery question was extracted from the full review (methods and results), not only its Summary of Findings table.
Questions
25
current version
GRADE rated
14
No studies
11
Included studies
2
as reported
No studies 11 · 44%Ungraded 0 · 0%Very low 3 · 12%Low 3 · 12%Moderate 0 · 0%High 8 · 32%
Ungraded means an effect was reported without a GRADE rating; it is not a gap. No studies means the review found nothing to answer the question. The six categories are a display order, not a score.
Review question
| Element | Planned (methods) | Found (results) |
|---|---|---|
| Population | We included studies involving dentate adults regularly attending for dental care in primary care settings. We excluded trials where participants were described as having severe periodontal disease (e.g. alveolar bone loss involving most teeth, or people requiring referral for specialist (surgical) periodontal treatment). We also excluded trials where participants had previously undergone specialist periodontal treatment and were in the post-treatment 'maintenance phase'. | The two included studies were conducted in general dental practice settings in the UK and involved regularly attending adults without severe periodontitis. Ramsay 2018 included 1406 participants and Jones 2011 included 305 participants in the analyses, giving a total of 1711 participants in this review. Participants were adults aged 18 to 92 years in Ramsay 2018 and aged 18 to 73 years in Jones 2011. |
| Intervention | We included trials where routine S&P treatments with or without oral hygiene instruction were provided by a dentist, dental hygienist or therapist. | Scale and polish at 6-monthly intervals (n=2); Scale and polish at 12-monthly intervals (n=2) |
| Comparison | S&P treatment at a planned, regular interval (e.g. every six months, every 12 months) versus no scheduled S&P treatment for the duration of the trial/S&P treatment at a planned, regular interval (e.g. every six months) versus S&P treatment at a different planned, regular interval (e.g. every 12 months)/S&P treatment provided by a dentist at a planned, regular interval (e.g. every six months) versus S&P treatment provided by a dental hygienist or dental therapist at the same planned, regular interval | No scale and polish (n=2) |
| Outcomes | Periodontal disease, assessed by gingivitis indices (both inflammatory and bleeding on probing). Secondary outcomes: Calculus and plaque indices; Changes in probing depths; Changes in attachment level; Periodontal indices; Tooth loss; Adverse events; Halitosis; Participant satisfaction; Oral-health related quality of life; Costs of S&P. | Gingivitis indices (n=2); Calculus indices (n=2); Plaque indices (n=1); Probing depth (n=1); Quality of life (n=1); Participant satisfaction outcomes (n=1); Cost (n=1) |
| Study designs | We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with at least six months' follow-up. We excluded split-mouth studies as this design does not reflect the manner in which a routine S&P is delivered in practice. | NR |
| Timing | At least six months' follow-up | One study measured outcomes at 24 months and one study measured outcomes at 36 months |
Search date: 2018-01-10. Databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE Ovid; Embase Ovid
Questions and results
Current version onlyPlanned, regular routine scale and polish (6-monthly; 12-monthly parallel) vs No scheduled scale and polish treatment
Population: Dentate adults without severe periodontitis, regularly attending for dental care in primary care (UK general dental practice)
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Participant satisfaction (perceived oral cleanliness) 36 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | RR 1.83 [1.28, 2.63] 30 per 100 vs 52 per 100 | 1 study · 205 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Gingivitis 24 to 36 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | SMD -0.01 [-0.13, 0.11] | 2 studies · 1087 participants | High |
Halitosis | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Probing depth 36 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | MD 0.00 [-0.04, 0.04] | 1 study · 880 participants | High |
Costs (NHS perspective, GBP) 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | MD 0.52 [-18.10, 19.14] | 1 study · 554 participants | Very low Downgraded: imprecision, indirectness |
Adverse events | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Plaque 24 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | MD -0.04 [-0.13, 0.05] | 1 study · 207 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias, indirectness |
Attachment change | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Calculus 24 to 36 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | SMD -0.32 [-0.44, -0.20] | 2 studies · 1086 participants | High |
Oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) 36 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | MD -0.30 [-1.24, 0.64] | 1 study · 795 participants | High |
Tooth loss | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Routine scale and polish every 6 months vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Population: Dentate adults without severe periodontitis, regularly attending for dental care in primary care (UK general dental practice)
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) 36 months | MD -0.40 [-1.34, 0.54] | 1 study · 786 participants | High |
Costs (NHS perspective, GBP) | MD -7.62 [-28.39, 13.15] | 1 study · 556 participants | Very low Downgraded: imprecision, indirectness |
Plaque 24 months | MD -0.04 [-0.13, 0.05] | 1 study · 207 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias, indirectness |
Calculus 24 to 36 months | SMD -0.13 [-0.25, -0.01] | 2 studies · 1086 participants | High |
Probing depth 36 months | MD 0.00 [-0.04, 0.04] | 1 study · 882 participants | High |
Gingivitis 24 to 36 months | SMD 0.03 [-0.09, 0.15] | 2 studies · 1090 participants | High |
Participant satisfaction (perceived oral cleanliness) 36 months | RR 1.11 [0.85, 1.47] 47 per 100 vs 52 per 100 | 1 study · 207 participants | Very low Downgraded: risk of bias, imprecision |
Routine scale and polish provided by a dentist vs Routine scale and polish provided by a dental care professional (dental therapist or hygienist)
Population: Dentate adults without severe periodontitis, regularly attending for dental care in primary care (UK general dental practice)
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Plaque | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Calculus | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Oral health-related quality of life | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Probing depth | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Gingivitis | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Participant satisfaction | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Costs (NHS perspective) | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Routine scale and polish (6-monthly or 12-monthly) vs No treatment (no scale and polish)
Population: Healthy dentate adults with mild to moderate gingivitis, without severe periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Participant satisfaction (perceived oral cleanliness) 24 months | OR 0.36 [0.20, 0.65] 29 per 100 (no S&P) vs 52 per 100 (6-monthly) | 1 study · 207 participants | Ungraded |
Attachment change | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Tooth loss | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Gingivitis 24 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | MD -0.02 [-0.10, 0.06] | 1 study · 207 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Adverse events | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Plaque 24 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | MD -0.04 [-0.13, 0.05] | 1 study · 207 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Calculus 24 months · 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel) | MD -0.24 [-0.51, 0.03] | 1 study · 207 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Routine scale and polish at a fixed interval vs Scale and polish only in response to signs/symptoms of periodontal disease (variable interval by bacterial/DDFM test)
Population: Healthy dentate adults with mild to moderate gingivitis, without severe periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Probing depth 24 months | MD -0.05 [-0.14, 0.04] | 1 study · 61 participants | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 24 months | MD 0.05 [-0.08, 0.18] | 1 study · 61 participants | Ungraded |
Plaque 24 months | MD -0.10 [-0.22, 0.02] | 1 study · 61 participants | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 6 months vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Population: Healthy dentate adults with mild to moderate gingivitis, without severe periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Calculus 24 months · 6 vs 12 months, with OHI | SMD -0.25 [-0.44, -0.06] | 2 studies · 438 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Plaque 24 months · 6 vs 12 months, with OHI | SMD -0.16 [-0.35, 0.03] | 2 studies · 438 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Gingivitis 24 months · 6 vs 12 months, with OHI | SMD -0.08 [-0.27, 0.10] | 2 studies · 438 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Participant satisfaction (perceived oral cleanliness) 24 months | OR 0.95 [0.53, 1.70] | 1 study · 207 participants | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish provided by a dentist vs Routine scale and polish provided by a dental care professional (dental therapist or hygienist)
Population: Healthy dentate adults with mild to moderate gingivitis, without severe periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Calculus | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Plaque | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Gingivitis | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Routine scale and polish with oral hygiene instruction (OHI) vs Routine scale and polish without OHI (same interval)
Population: Healthy dentate adults with mild to moderate gingivitis, without severe periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Calculus 24 months · 3-monthly interval | MD -0.02 [-0.16, 0.12] | 1 study · 131 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Plaque 24 months · 3-monthly interval | MD -0.17 [-0.31, -0.03] | 1 study · 131 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Gingivitis 24 months · 3-monthly interval | MD -0.07 [-0.18, 0.04] | 1 study · 131 participants | Low Downgraded: risk of bias |
Routine scale and polish vs No scale and polish (no treatment)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Attachment change 11 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calculus 22 months · with OHI subgroup | MD 0.77 [0.63, 0.91] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 3 to 11 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 6 to 22 months | no estimate extracted | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish at a fixed interval vs Scale and polish only in response to signs/symptoms of periodontal disease (variable interval by bacterial/DDFM test)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Probing depth 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Plaque 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Recurrent periodontitis 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Attachment level 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 6 months vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Gingivitis 24 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in gingivitis between 6- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (Lightner 1971 with OHI; Suomi 1973 no OHI). | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Attachment change 24 to 48 months | No statistically significant difference in attachment change between 6- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Pocket depth 24 to 48 months | No statistically significant difference in pocket depth between 6- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calculus 24 to 48 months | Calculus statistically significantly lower in 6-month vs 12-month group in Lightner 1971 (with OHI) at 24 months (not significant at 36, 48 months) and in Suomi 1973 (no OHI) at 36 months. | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Plaque 24 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in plaque between 6- and 12-month scale and polish intervals: Lightner 1971 (with OHI) at 24, 36 and 48 months; Suomi 1973 (no OHI) at 36 months. | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish provided by a dentist vs Routine scale and polish provided by a dental care professional (dental therapist or hygienist)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Outcome NR At least 6 months | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Routine scale and polish with oral hygiene instruction (OHI) vs Routine scale and polish without OHI (same interval)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Calculus 12 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 12 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 12 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 2 weeks vs Routine scale and polish every 6 months
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Pocket depth 12 to 24 months | MD -1.50 [-2.04, -0.96] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Attachment change 12 to 24 months | Attachment loss statistically significantly greater in the 6-month group than the 2-week group at 12 and 24 months; a gain in attachment was reported in the 2-week group (Nyman 1975). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 12 to 24 months | MD -1.60 [-1.81, -1.39] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 12 to 24 months | MD -1.40 [-1.68, -1.12] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 2 weeks vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Attachment change 24 months | Attachment loss statistically significantly greater in the 12-month group than the 2-week group at 24 months; a gain in attachment was reported in the 2-week group (Rosling 1976). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 24 months | MD -1.40 [-1.80, -1.00] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Pocket depth 24 months | MD -1.20 [-1.91, -0.49] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 24 months | MD -1.10 [-1.50, -0.70] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 3 months (with OHI) vs Routine scale and polish every 6 months (with OHI)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Calculus 12 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in calculus between 3- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (with OHI) at 12, 24, 36 or 48 months (Lightner 1971). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 12 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in gingivitis between the 3- and 6-month scale and polish (with OHI) interval groups at any time point (Lightner 1971). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 12 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in plaque between 3- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (with OHI) at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months (Lightner 1971). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 4 months (no OHI) vs Routine scale and polish every 6 months (no OHI)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Gingivitis 36 months | No statistically significant differences in gingivitis between the 4- and 6-month scale and polish (no OHI) interval groups at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calculus 36 months | No statistically significant differences in calculus between 4- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 36 months | No statistically significant difference in plaque between 4- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Pocket depth 36 months | No statistically significant differences in pocket depth between 4- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Attachment change 36 months | No statistically significant differences in attachment change between 4- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 3 months vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Plaque 24 to 48 months | Plaque statistically significantly lower in the 3-month vs 12-month group: with OHI at 36 months (not significant at 24, 48 months); without OHI at 24, 36 and 48 months (Lightner 1971); favours 3-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calculus 24 to 48 months | Calculus statistically significantly lower in the 3-month vs 12-month group: with OHI at 24 and 48 months (not significant at 36 months); without OHI at 24, 36 and 48 months (Lightner 1971); favours 3-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 24 to 48 months | Gingivitis statistically significantly lower in the 3-month vs 12-month group: with OHI at 24, 36 and 48 months; without OHI at 24, 36 and 48 months (Lightner 1971); favours 3-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 4 months (no OHI) vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months (no OHI)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Gingivitis 36 months | No statistically significant difference in gingivitis between 4- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Pocket depth 36 months | No statistically significant differences in pocket depth between 4- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calculus 36 months | Calculus statistically significantly lower in the 4-month vs 12-month group (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973); favours 4-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 36 months | Plaque statistically significantly lower in the 4-month vs 12-month group (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973); favours 4-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Attachment change 36 months | No statistically significant differences in attachment change between 4- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 2 weeks vs Routine scale and polish every 4 weeks (1 month)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Attachment change 6 months | No statistically significant differences in attachment loss between the 2-week and 4-week scale and polish interval groups (Westfelt 1983). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 2 weeks vs Routine scale and polish every 12 weeks (3 months)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Attachment change 6 months | No statistically significant differences in attachment loss between the 2-week and 12-week scale and polish interval groups (Westfelt 1983). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 4 weeks (1 month) vs Routine scale and polish every 12 weeks (3 months)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Attachment change 6 months | No statistically significant differences in attachment loss between the 4-week and 12-week scale and polish interval groups (Westfelt 1983). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish vs No scale and polish (no treatment)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Attachment change 11 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 6 to 22 months | no estimate extracted | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Calculus 22 months · with OHI subgroup | MD 0.77 [0.63, 0.91] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 3 to 11 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish at a fixed interval vs Scale and polish only in response to signs/symptoms of periodontal disease (variable interval by bacterial/DDFM test)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Probing depth 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Recurrent periodontitis 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Attachment level 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 6 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 6 months vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Gingivitis 24 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in gingivitis between 6- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (Lightner 1971 with OHI; Suomi 1973 no OHI). | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Calculus 24 to 48 months | Calculus statistically significantly lower in 6-month vs 12-month group in Lightner 1971 (with OHI) at 24 months (not significant at 36, 48 months) and in Suomi 1973 (no OHI) at 36 months. | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Plaque 24 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in plaque between 6- and 12-month scale and polish intervals: Lightner 1971 (with OHI) at 24, 36 and 48 months; Suomi 1973 (no OHI) at 36 months. | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Pocket depth 24 to 48 months | No statistically significant difference in pocket depth between 6- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Attachment change 24 to 48 months | No statistically significant difference in attachment change between 6- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish provided by a dentist vs Routine scale and polish provided by a dental care professional (dental therapist or hygienist)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Outcome NR At least 6 months | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Routine scale and polish with oral hygiene instruction (OHI) vs Routine scale and polish without OHI (same interval)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Gingivitis 12 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calculus 12 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 12 to 48 months | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 2 weeks vs Routine scale and polish every 6 months
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Attachment change 12 to 24 months | Attachment loss statistically significantly greater in the 6-month group than the 2-week group at 12 and 24 months; a gain in attachment was reported in the 2-week group (Nyman 1975). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 12 to 24 months | MD -1.60 [-1.81, -1.39] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 12 to 24 months | MD -1.40 [-1.68, -1.12] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Pocket depth 12 to 24 months | MD -1.50 [-2.04, -0.96] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 2 weeks vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Pocket depth 24 months | MD -1.20 [-1.91, -0.49] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 24 months | MD -1.10 [-1.50, -0.70] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Attachment change 24 months | Attachment loss statistically significantly greater in the 12-month group than the 2-week group at 24 months; a gain in attachment was reported in the 2-week group (Rosling 1976). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 24 months | MD -1.40 [-1.80, -1.00] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 3 months (with OHI) vs Routine scale and polish every 6 months (with OHI)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Plaque 12 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in plaque between 3- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (with OHI) at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months (Lightner 1971). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calculus 12 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in calculus between 3- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (with OHI) at 12, 24, 36 or 48 months (Lightner 1971). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 12 to 48 months | No statistically significant differences in gingivitis between the 3- and 6-month scale and polish (with OHI) interval groups at any time point (Lightner 1971). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 4 months (no OHI) vs Routine scale and polish every 6 months (no OHI)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Gingivitis 36 months | No statistically significant differences in gingivitis between the 4- and 6-month scale and polish (no OHI) interval groups at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calculus 36 months | No statistically significant differences in calculus between 4- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Pocket depth 36 months | No statistically significant differences in pocket depth between 4- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Attachment change 36 months | No statistically significant differences in attachment change between 4- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 36 months | No statistically significant difference in plaque between 4- and 6-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 3 months vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Calculus 24 to 48 months | Calculus statistically significantly lower in the 3-month vs 12-month group: with OHI at 24 and 48 months (not significant at 36 months); without OHI at 24, 36 and 48 months (Lightner 1971); favours 3-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 24 to 48 months | Plaque statistically significantly lower in the 3-month vs 12-month group: with OHI at 36 months (not significant at 24, 48 months); without OHI at 24, 36 and 48 months (Lightner 1971); favours 3-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 24 to 48 months | Gingivitis statistically significantly lower in the 3-month vs 12-month group: with OHI at 24, 36 and 48 months; without OHI at 24, 36 and 48 months (Lightner 1971); favours 3-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish every 4 months (no OHI) vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months (no OHI)
Population: Adults with fully erupted permanent dentition (periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis); trial ages 14 to 77 years
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Calculus 36 months | Calculus statistically significantly lower in the 4-month vs 12-month group (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973); favours 4-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Pocket depth 36 months | No statistically significant differences in pocket depth between 4- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Attachment change 36 months | No statistically significant differences in attachment change between 4- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Gingivitis 36 months | No statistically significant difference in gingivitis between 4- and 12-month scale and polish intervals (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Plaque 36 months | Plaque statistically significantly lower in the 4-month vs 12-month group (no OHI) at 36 months (Suomi 1973); favours 4-monthly. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Routine scale and polish vs No scale and polish (no treatment)
Population: Adults over 18 years; periodontally healthy, plaque-induced gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Outcome NR At least 6 months (planned) | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Routine scale and polish at a fixed interval vs Scale and polish only in response to signs/symptoms of periodontal disease (variable interval by bacterial/DDFM test)
Population: Adults over 18 years; periodontally healthy, plaque-induced gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Outcome NR At least 6 months (planned) | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Routine scale and polish at a more frequent fixed interval vs Routine scale and polish at a less frequent fixed interval
Population: Adults over 18 years; periodontally healthy, plaque-induced gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Outcome NR At least 6 months (planned) | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Routine scale and polish provided by a dentist vs Routine scale and polish provided by a dental care professional (dental therapist or hygienist)
Population: Adults over 18 years; periodontally healthy, plaque-induced gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Outcome NR At least 6 months (planned) | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |