Search

Background: Sub-optimal oral hygiene is considered as a primary risk factor for periodontitis occurrence. Various socio-behavioral determinants may contribute either independently or by influencing adversely the oral hygiene (OH) level. The aim of the present study was to examine the periodontal status of 35-44-year-old Greek adults and determine the contribution of risk indicators, including the socio-behavioral aspects and the population’s oral hygiene level, on disease prevalence. Material and Methods: In 1218 participants, Community Periodontal Index (CPI), Loss of Attachment (LoA) and simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) were calculated. Multivariable regression models examined the effect of socio-behavioral factors with/without the inclusion of OHI-S level on pocket depth (PD)≥4mm and LoA≥4mm presence. Results: 11.8% of the participants had healthy periodontium, whereas 37.3% and 5.6% presented with shallow and deep pocketing, respectively. 60.4%, 28.8%, and 10.8.% of the adults demonstrated LoA≤3mm, 4-5mm, and ≥6mm, accordingly. Fair and poor oral hygiene significantly increased the likelihood for PD≥4mm (OR=4.8-20.3) and LoA≥4mm (OR=3.3-6.0) presence. ‘Emergency-oriented dental visiting pattern’ significantly elevated the chance for PD≥4mm presence (OR=1.7). ‘Lower education level’ ‘urban location’, and ‘using an interdental brush’ were significantly independently linked to LoA≥4mm occurrence (OR=1.7-2.1, 1.5, and 2.0, respectively). Lower educated individuals demonstrated inferior oral hygiene status, which in turn elevated significantly the chances of PD≥4mm presence. Smoking more than 10 cigarettes/day, emergency-oriented dental attendance pattern and not flossing were linked to worse oral hygiene levels, which consequently increased significantly the likelihood of LoA≥4mm occurrence. Conclusions: Fair and poor oral hygiene contribute strongly to periodontitis occurrence. Various socio-behavioral factors may influence adversely oral hygiene maintenance, leading to periodontitis manifestations. © 2021

Objectives: To study the oral health of young individuals with controlled and uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and compare the results with those for healthy counterparts. Materials and Methods: One-hundred and forty-four youngsters (6–15 years of age) were assigned, according to glycaemic control, to three study groups: (i) diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ≥7.5%)] (n = 35); (ii) diabetic patients with good glycaemic control (HbA1c 0.05). Candida albicans levels were not statistically significant different among groups, but the group with poor glycemic control showed an elevated frequency of detection. Streptococcus mutans was isolated from the oral cavity of 96 of the 144 individuals. A statistically significant difference in the level of S. mutans was found between the group with poor glycaemic control and the healthy control group (P = 0.032). Conclusions: The results imply that youngsters with T1DM have a lower level of oral hygiene and are potentially at a higher risk of future oral disease, particularly when their metabolic disorder is uncontrolled. However, factors outside the oral cavity may also have a considerable impact on the initiation and progression of oral diseases. © 2019 FDI World Dental Federation

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances might be associated with intraoral adverse effects on enamel, due to plaque accumulation and their colonization by oral microbes. At the same time, the demand for esthetic alternatives to orthodontic treatment, like thermoplastic aligners, is growing. However, thermoplastic aligners may behave differently intraorally than fixed appliances in terms of bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Therefore, the aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the salivary prevalence of the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Streptococcus sanguinis among adolescents treated orthodontically with thermoplastic aligners or fixed appliances. Methods: Thirty adolescent patients (17 girls/13 boys; mean age 13.8 years old) were assigned to treatment with either (i) self-ligating fixed appliances with nickel-titanium archwires or (ii) aligners constructed from clear transparent polyethylenterephthalat-glycol copolyester (PET-G) thermoplastic sheets. Whole stimulated saliva was collected from each patient at three time points: at baseline (before bonding and initiation of orthodontic therapy or before insertion of the thermoplastic aligners), after 2 weeks, and after 1 month. A simplified plaque index, a simplified gingival index, and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index were assessed from the clinical examination of the patients. Microbiological analysis of salivary bacteria was performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, followed by descriptive and inferential statistics at the 5% level. Results: Although patients treated with aligners had significantly lower plaque and gingivitis scores throughout treatment compared to patients treated with fixed appliances, no significant difference could be found between the S. mutans counts of the two groups at any time through treatment (P > 0.05). On the other hand, patients treated with aligners had significantly lower salivary S. sanguinis counts at all time points than patients treated with fixed appliances (P < 0.05). Finally, almost no L. acidophilus were identified in the collected saliva samples in either of the treated samples. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, there were no differences in the salivary counts of S. mutans or L. acidophilus among adolescent patients treated for 1 month with thermoplastic aligners or self-ligating appliances. On the other hand, patients treated with aligners had lower salivary levels of S. sanguinis compared to those treated with self-ligating appliances. © 2018, The Author(s).

Objective: To assess dental caries experience in 4-6 year old children of the Athens Metropolitan Area attending public kindergartens and investigate the association of area deprivation and immigration status on dmft. Basic research design: A cross-sectional study of a large area-stratified sample of 683 kindergarten children was conducted during the academic years 2009-2011. Dental caries experience and oral hygiene level were assessed using dmft and the Simplified Debris index (DI-s). Area deprivation was defined using a pre-established Geo-demographic System for Attica. Zero-inflated Poisson regression models were used to test associations between the dmft index and related factors; gender, age, immigrant background and area deprivation. Differences were reported in terms of predicted probabilities. Results: Caries prevalence was 20.8% (95% CI17.8,24.0%). The mean dmft and DI-s scores were 0.67 (95% CI0.61,0.74) and 0.16 (95% CI0.14,0.18) respectively. The mean predicted probability of having no detectable caries experience was 79% (95% CI75, 83%), while the probability of having dmft=1 or 2 was 6% (95% CI5,8%) and 2% (95% CI1,3%) respectively. The predicted probability of having no caries experience was substantially lower for males, those from the least affluent areas and non-Greeks by 5%, 18% and 31% respectively. Regarding dmft scores, deprived children were more likely to have 1 or 2 teeth with caries experience by 9% (95% CI4,13%) and 6% (95% CI2,10%) respectively, while the corresponding differences for non-Greeks were 10% (95% CI7,14%) and 12% (95% CI7,15%). Conclusions: Socio-demographic and area-related variations in oral health exist among kindergarten children in Athens. © BASCD 2017.

To date, there is a major effort in deciphering the role of complex microbial communities, especially the oral and gut microbiomes, in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Increasing evidence indicates a key role for the oral microbiome in autoimmune diseases. In this review article, we discuss links of the oral microbiota to a group of autoimmune diseases, that is, Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Crohn's disease (CD), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We particularly focus on factors that affect the balance between the immune system and the composition of microbiota leading to dysbiosis, loss of tolerance and subsequent autoimmune disease progression and maintenance. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Objectives: To compare the clinical efficacy of two formulations (alcohol and alcohol free) of 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) rinses on plaque, gingivitis and discoloration of teeth. Methods: This double-blind crossover study consisted of one group of 10 volunteer dental students that followed two 21-day experimental gingivitis test periods. During these periods, the subjects abstained from oral hygiene except for the oral rinse provided. The study started after an initial two-week preparation programme that included a professional prophylaxis and repeated oral hygiene instructions. This was repeated for the 14-day washout period between the two rinses, including prophylaxis as per the first stage of the study. A calibrated examiner performed the clinical measurements at the beginning (baseline) and end of each study stage. The presence and amount of plaque were recorded using the Silness and Löe plaque index (PI) and gingival inflammation by the gingival index (GI) while the discoloration index (DI) was recorded on the buccal and lingual surfaces of the six anterior teeth of both the mandible and maxilla. Results: Mean PI increased similarly for both solutions; however, the differences between initial and final values were statistically significant only for CHLOREL®. Similarly, the mean values for the GI showed small increases over the course of the study periods, but not statistically significant for either solution. The mean DI increased significantly for both solutions. Regarding the comparison of the initial and final values ​​between the solutions, per index, no statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusion: The non-alcoholic chlorhexidine rinse had comparable levels of action as the generally recognized gold standard alcoholic rinse. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Aim To assess the effect of different stages of intervention on volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) of periodontitis patients with halitosis, before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Material & Methods This clinical trial included 18 adults with chronic periodontitis and halitosis. After initial examination, patients received oral hygiene (OH) instructions and tongue cleaner. One week later, non-surgical periodontal therapy was completed within 48 h. Measurements were at baseline, 1 week after OH, 1 and 6 weeks post therapy. These included simplified plaque index (sPlI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), Winkel Tongue Coating Index (WTCI), organoleptic scores (OLSs) of nose and mouth air and VSCs. Results sPlI, BoP, WTCI, OLS of the mouth air and VSCs showed significant differences (p < 0.05), even after 1 week of OH. A further significant decrease was determined 1 week after non-surgical therapy for WTCI, OLS (nose and mouth air) and methyl mercaptan concentration. A significant decrease, 6 weeks post therapy, was observed for sPlI, BoP, WTCI, PPD, OLS of the nose and mouth air and VSCs (p < 0.05). Conclusions Oral hygiene and tongue cleaning improve the OLSs of the mouth air and reduce VSCs. Periodontal therapy further improves the OLSs and reduces the concentration of VSCs. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Aim The aim was to assess the potential trends in Periodontology and Periodontics in Europe that might be anticipated by the year 2025, using the Delphi method. Material and Methods The expert opinion of 120 experts was sought through the use of an open-ended questionnaire, developed by an advisory group, containing 40 questions concerning the various trends in periodontology. Results The experts (113 responders) expect a stabilization of the prevalence of periodontitis, both for the chronic as well as the aggressive cases, but an increase in implant-related diseases up to the year 2025. Concurrently, the importance of implants is seen to be increasing. They foresee an increased demand for postgraduate periodontology and implantology training. This is mirrored in an increase in publications for implant dentistry and increase in demand and need for training. Concerning the patients, better-informed individuals seeking more routine check-ups are expected. Conclusion A continued need for specialized periodontists, but also well trained dental practitioners is foreseen for next decade in Europe. Apart from periodontology they will be increasingly exposed to and trained in implant dentistry. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Objectives To assess dental caries and use of dental services experience in 5-year-old children attending public kindergartens in Attica, Greece and to examine the influence of certain socioeconomic factors and living conditions as well as dental behaviours and attitudes. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a random and stratified sample of 605 Greek children was examined using decayed, missing, filled tooth surfaces and simplified debris indices. The use of dental services was measured by children's dental visits (any dental visit up to the age of 5 years). Care Index was also calculated. Risk indicators were assessed by a questionnaire. Zero-inflated Poisson and Logistic Regression Analysis were generated to test statistical significant associations. Results The prevalence of dental caries was 16.5%. Care Index was 32% and dental visits were reported for the 84% of the children. Medium Socio-Economic Level (SEL) was associated with no detectable caries. High SEL was related to decreased decayed, missing, filled teeth values, while female gender and rented houses had the opposite effect. The age of the mother (35-39 years) and the higher SEL were related to higher levels of dental services use. Conclusions It is suggested that there are differences in the experience of dental caries and use of dental services among preschool children in Attica, which are related to demographic, socioeconomic factors and living conditions. Dental public polices should focus on groups with specific characteristics in order to improve oral health levels of disease-susceptible populations. © 2013 FDI World Dental Federation.

In the present study we investigated the incidence of bacteriocins produced by 236 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) food isolates against pathogenic or opportunistic pathogenic oral bacteria. This set of LAB contained several strains (≥17%) producing bacteriocins active against food-related bacteria. Interestingly only Streptococcus macedonicus ACA-DC 198 was able to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii, while Lactobacillus fermentum ACA-DC 179 and Lactobacillus plantarun ACA-DC 269 produced bacteriocins solely against Streptococcus oralis. Thus, the percentage of strains that were found to produce bacteriocins against oral bacteria was ~1.3%. The rarity of bacteriocins active against oral LAB pathogens produced by food-related LAB was unexpected given their close phylogenetic relationship. Nevertheless, when tested in inhibition assays, the potency of the bacteriocin(s) of S. macedonicus ACA-DC 198 against the three oral streptococci was high. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis revealed that exposure of the target cells to the antimicrobial compounds caused major alterations of key cellular constituents. Our findings indicate that bacteriocins produced by food-related LAB against oral LAB may be rare, but deserve further investigation since, when discovered, they can be effective antimicrobials. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate dental erosion prevalence, distribution and severity in Greek preschool children attending public kindergartens in the prefecture of Attica, Greece and to determine the effect of dental caries, oral hygiene level, socio-economic factors, dental behavior, erosion related medication and chronic illness. Material and methods: A random and stratified sample of 605 Greek preschool children was clinically examined for dental erosion using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination Index (ΒΕWE). Dental caries (dmfs) and Simplified Debris Index were also recorded. The data concerning possible risk indicators were derived by a questionnaire. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was generated to test the predictive effects of the independent variables on dental erosion. Results: The prevalence of dental erosion was 78. 8 %, and the mean and SE of BEWE index was 3. 64 ± 0. 15. High monthly family income was positively related to ΒΕWE cumulative scores [RR = 1. 204 (1. 016-1. 427)], while high maternal education level [RR = 0. 872 (0. 771-0. 986)] and poor oral hygiene level [DI-s, RR = 0. 584 (0. 450-0. 756)] showed a negative association. Conclusions: Dental erosion is a common oral disease in Greek preschool children in Attica, related to oral hygiene and socio-economic factors. Clinical relevance: Programs aimed at erosion prevention should begin at an early age for all children. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Background: To test the validity of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) for use among adults in Greece.Methods: The original English version of the OHIP-14 was translated using the forward-backward technique, pilot-tested, and then applied to 211 adults aged 35 years and above. The questionnaire was filled out during face-to-face interviews conducted by one dentist, while individuals were asked to undergo a clinical examination. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficient and inter-item and item-total correlations. Discriminant and convergent validities were assessed.Results: Cronbach's α was estimated to be 0.90. Inter-item correlations coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 0.83, while item-total correlations coefficients from 0.44 to 0.76. Significant associations were found between OHIP-14 and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and oral hygiene, supporting the ability of the questionnaire to discriminate between individuals with and without impacts. The OHIP-14 total score was highly associated with self-perceived oral health status (r s= 0.57; p = 0.01), as well as with self-assessment of oral satisfaction (r s= 0.55;p = 0.01). Similar results were observed by investigating the relationship between the latter questions and each domain score as well as in various sub-groups analyses.Conclusions: The OHIP-14 is a reliable and valid questionnaire for the assessment of OHRQoL among adults in Greece. © 2012 Papagiannopoulou et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Objectives. To examine the interaction between Porphyromonas gingivalis and 3 different orthodontic brackets in vitro, focusing on the effect of an early salivary pellicle and other bacteria on the formation of biofilms. Material and Methods. Mono- and multi-species P. gingivalis biofilms were allowed to form in vitro, on 3 different bracket types (stainless steel, ceramic and plastic) with and without an early salivary pellicle. The brackets were anaerobically incubated for 3 days in Brain Heart Infusion Broth to form biofilms. Bacteria were quantified by trypsin treatment and enumeration of the total viable counts of bacteria recovered. Results. Saliva was found to significantly affect (P

Purpose. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of oral health status on the quality of life of adults in different regions of Greece, using the Oral Health Impact Profile-short form (OHIP-14). Methods. A random sample consisting of a total of 504 Greek adults between the ages of 35-44 years (mean 39.1 ± 3.5) was selected from different urban and rural areas, and face-to-face interviews were conducted using the validated Greek language OHIP-14. Associations of the total OHIP-14 score and its 7 sub-scales along with the self-perceived quality of life were evaluated with Spearman's correlations. Results. The subjects had an overall weighted OHIP-14 score of 1.1 (sd 1.9). No significant differences were found for either rural or non-metropolitan areas when compared to urban or metropolitan regions. High scores of above 2 were determined for functional limitation, physical pain, handicap, and the psychological discomfort scales. The education level of the subjects had a significant positive impact on the quality of life of the subjects. Conclusions. Dental and oral health conditions are factors that do impact on the quality of life of individuals. © 2011 William Papaioannou et al.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bracket type (conventional and self-ligating) on the levels of Streptococcus mutans and total bacterial counts in whole saliva of orthodontic patients. Thirty-two male and female patients were selected using the following inclusion criteria: adolescents (mean age 13.6 years, range 11-17 years), fixed appliances in both arches, non-smoker, and no reported oral habits. Demographic and oral hygiene characteristics were determined for each subject. The patients were subdivided into two groups with random allocation of bracket type (conventional or self-ligating). An initial saliva sample was obtained before the initiation of treatment (T1) and a second sample 2-3 months following appliance bonding (T2). Salivary S. mutans and total bacteria were enumerated and analysed after growth in culture. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the samples were analysed with a t- or chi-square test, where applicable, to assess the random allocation of bracket group to participants. The results of S. mutans and total facultative bacterial counts were log transformed and statistically analysed with analysis of covariance with bracket (conventional versus self-ligating) as the categorical variable and initial total bacterial counts or initial S. mutans levels serving as the covariate.No difference was found in the demographics and oral hygiene indices between the two groups, verifying the random assignment of brackets to the population sample. The levels of S. mutans in whole saliva of orthodontically treated patients do not seem to be significantly different between conventional and self-ligating brackets. The pre-treatment levels of S. mutans are significant predictors of the levels of S. mutans after placement of orthodontic appliances, while this was not the case for total bacterial counts. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved.

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2009; 19: 455-467Objective. To evaluate the oral hygiene and the periodontal condition of children and adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP). Methods. Forty-one children and adolescents, 4-18 years, with CLP and 41 normal controls participated. Clinical parameters examined were the plaque and gingival index and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs. For teeth in the cleft area, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and tooth mobility were also evaluated. Samples of subgingival plaque were collected from 21 randomly selected patients of each group. Results. The CLP group had generally poorer oral hygiene (plaque index significantly higher) compared with the control. Children in both groups presented mild degree of gingivitis. Teeth in the cleft area had significantly higher pocket probing depth and tooth mobility, compared with corresponding teeth in the control group. The microbial analysis did not reveal significant differences in the composition of the subgingival microbiota between groups. Teeth in the cleft presented higher isolation frequencies and mean percentages of periodontopathic bacteria. Conclusion. Youngsters with CLP showed poor oral hygiene and worse periodontal condition, compared with controls. The above results advocate their participation in an intensive preventive dental programme that should start at an early age, possibly decreasing the risk of future periodontal disease. © 2009 BSPD, IAPD and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Background: Knowledge of the colonization patterns and composition of the oral microbiota can lead to a better understanding of disease initiation. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of selected cariogenic bacteria in samples from five different oral habitats in young Greek children. Design. Ninety-three children 3-12 years old (mean + SD 7.9 ± 2.5) (60.2% male, 39.8% female) participated and split into three different age groups: primary (3-6 years), early mixed (6-9 years), and mixed dentition (9-12 years). Samples for bacterial enumeration were taken from saliva, supragingival and subgingival plaque, tongue dorsum, and soft tissues from each child, and were further analysed using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Results: Mean counts and proportions of all the test bacteria differed significantly among sample locations. Cariogenic bacteria were present in almost all healthy children. Mean proportions of Streptococcus mutans isolated from soft tissue and Streptococcus sanguinis from soft tissue, subgingival and saliva samples increased significantly with age, whereas the opposite was seen for Lactobacillus acidophilus. Conclusions: Cariogenic bacteria were present in almost all young children. Soft tissues, saliva, and tongue were more often colonized by cariogenic streptococcal species than teeth. These surfaces may serve as reservoirs for oral pathogens, requiring attention during preventive interventions. © 2008 BSPD, IAPD and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Introduction: Knowledge of the early oral colonization patterns could provide a better understanding of oral biofilm development and disease initiation that in turn could be the basis for early preventive programmes. Methods: Microbial samples were collected from five different oral habitats from a total of 93 children (age 3-12 years), attending the Dental School of the University of Athens, who were split into three age groups. A total of 38 microbial species were sought out by the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique. Results: All of the test species, except Parvimonas micra and Porphyromonas gingivalis, differed significantly among sample locations providing quite distinct microbial profiles for the different oral surfaces. Supragingival and subgingival plaque had similar profiles and exhibited higher proportions of Actinomyces species and Green complex while soft tissue samples were dominated by streptococci of the Yellow complex. The profiles of the tongue dorsum and saliva were also similar. Many of the species were in similar proportions in all three age groups for a given location. Periodontal pathogens showed increases in proportions with increasing age. Specifically, the Red complex species (Tannerella forsythia, P. gingivalis, Treponema denticola) showed a significant increase in proportion with age (P < 0.05) in all sample locations. Conclusions: The results showed a pattern of colonization in children similar to that previously found in adults. Differences in the profile between age groups suggest a gradual maturation of the oral microbiota, with it being made up of an increasing number of Orange and Red complex species. © 2009 John Wiley and Sons A/S.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the contamination and the survival rate of periodontopathic and cariogenic species on new toothbrushes with antibacterial properties (coated bristles with triclosan), after a single use in periodontitis patients. The decontamination effect of the use of toothpaste was also evaluated. Methods: Ten patients, who consulted the Department of Periodontology, for treatment of chronic periodontitis, were selected. In each patient four different toothbrushes were used. Two quadrants, randomly selected, were each brushed using a different antibacterial toothbrush. In one of these two quadrants toothpaste was used. The same happened with the remaining quadrants, only with regular toothbrushes. After brushing, the toothbrushes were rinsed and stored in room temperature and a dry environment. After 0, 4 and 24 h, four tufts, from each toothbrush, were cut and processed for selective and non-selective culturing techniques, followed by identification and quantification of all species found. Results: Immediately after brushing the toothbrushes harbored a significant number of microorganisms, with no statistically significant difference between the two types of brushes (regular and antibacterial). The reduction of microorganisms from 0 to 4 h after brushing was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The difference was less obvious from 4 to 24 h. When toothpaste was used, brushes harbored significantly (p < 0.05) lower numbers of colony-forming units (CFU) compared to those without the use of toothpaste. Conclusions: The antibacterial toothbrush with triclosan coated tufts failed to limit the bacterial contamination. The toothpaste, on the other hand, significantly reduced the contamination of toothbrushes. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental studies have shown that intraoral transmission of bacteria can occur. Of course, the question arises as to how this transmission may happen. In this study, the contamination of interdental brushes by periodontopathogens is examined and compared to the microbial load of the periodontal pockets. In ten untreated chronic periodontitis patients, four interdental sites were professionally brushed with one interdental brush per patient. Subsequently, samples from the depths of the pockets (of the specific interdental sites) were obtained with paper-points. The interdental brush samples and the samples of the subgingival plaque, obtained by the pooled paper-points, were processed for dark-field microscopy examination as well as anaerobic culturing. The results showed that, although significant differences could be found between the brushes and paper-points with direct microscopy, the culturing did not uncover many differences. On the contrary, the detection frequencies of specific bacterial species were almost the same between the two. The total anaerobic colony-forming units (CFU), P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, and E. corrodens found on the brushes showed a significant correlation with the subgingival plaque samples (P