Apoorva et al. European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research www.ejpmr.com 259 FREQUENCY OF TOOTH BRUSHING AND ORAL NEUTROPHIL COUNT”- A PILOT STUDY Dr. Apoorva Kotian* 1 , Dr. K. V. V. Prasad 2 and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh 3 1 Post-Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. 2 Professor and Dean Academics, Department of Public Health Dentistry, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. 3 Post-Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Article Received on 22/02/2018 Article Revised on 15/03/2018 Article Accepted on 05/04/2018 INTRODUCTION Periodontal disease and dental caries are the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. These diseases in their advanced stage impair the normal oral as well as general function of the body. [6] Generally periodontal disease begins as gingivitis and its prevalence and severity increases with age. [7] Dental plaque, a bacterial biofilm on the tooth surface, is commonly associated with dental caries and periodontal diseases. The presence of plaque on the tooth surface results in gingivitis which if left untreated may ultimately lead to periodontitis. [1] Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing and controlling of periodontal disease along with regular dental visit. Tooth brushing is the most efficient oral hygiene aid for the removal of dental plaque, which if not done properly causes gingival inflammation. Many studies suggest that toothbrushing, which is an effective measure for plaque control which in turn helps in the prevention of gingivitis and periodontal disease. [2,25] According to Goldman et al. brushing five times in a day is ideal for proper plaque control. But due to impracticality of this regimen, they suggested that, at least twice a day toothbrushing should be performed. [14] According to Greene and Arnim, once a day toothbrushing is adequate for plaque control and gingival health maintenance. [15] But according to Loe, tooth brushing every second day may be sufficient for proper plaque control. [16] According to Lilienthal et al. the periodontal health of 600 individuals significantly improved by increasing the frequency of brushing. [17] According to Stanmeyer, there was significant increase in gingival health, when the teeth were brushed twice daily. [18] Although there are many views related to frequency of toothbrushing, but keeping in mind the practicality, twice a day toothbrushing is an effective measure for plaque control. SJIF Impact Factor 4.897 Research Article ISSN 2394-3211 EJPMR EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH www.ejpmr.com ejpmr, 2018,5(5), 259-265 *Corresponding Author: Dr. Apoorva Kotian Post-Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. ABSTRACT Introduction: For maintaining good oral health, efficiency and frequency of tooth brushing is important. Accumulation of the microbial plaque on the tooth surface is a direct cause of gingivitis and that gingivitis may precede periodontitis. [10] Before the clinical signs of gingivitis become evident, neutrophils start appearing, acting as a first line of defense against invading microbes. By tooth brushing, though the percentage of gingivitis reduces, it is only minimal. This study was done to check the amount of oral neutrophil count in people who brush once and twice a day. Aim: To check the effectiveness of frequency of tooth brushing on gingival status and oral neutrophil count. Materials and Methods: 30 subjects who gave the informed consent participated in the study. At the baseline visit they were randomly assigned to (1) once a day tooth brushing group, (2) twice a day tooth brushing group, according to baseline gingival scores Followed by estimation of salivary neutrophil count. All were asked to use the same toothbrush and toothpaste and were recalled on the 16 th day for re-evaluation. Results: Baseline GI scores and oral neutrophil count demonstrated no statistical differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). At the 2‑week examination, even though statistically there was no significant difference but clinically, both oral neutrophil count and gingivitis reduction were more in twice a day toothbrushing group. Conclusions: Although there was no statistically significant difference in gingival scores and neutrophil count between the two groups, the result of this pilot study showed clinically greater reduction in neutrophil count in twice a day tooth brushing group. So this study shows some direction for conducting future studies in this area. KEYWORDS: Toothbrushing, Gingivitis, Salivary Neutrophil Count.