Evaluation of effects of scaling with and without polishing on oral hygiene clinical parameters - A concurrent parallel randomized trial

Introduction: Good oral health is a crucial indicator of overall well-being. Oral hygiene maintenance and care is the practice of keeping the oral cavity clean and disease free. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of scaling and polishing on oral hygiene clinical parameters at different intervals. Materials and Methods: A concurrent parallel randomized trial was carried out among 60 college students in the Namakkal district. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, the scaling followed by the polishing group and the scaling without polishing group. This was a three-point assessment (baseline, 2nd week, and 3rd week) for plaque, gingival, and marginal line calculus index scores. Data were analyzed using parametric tests: independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: A statistically significant difference was found for all three clinical parameters at the final 3rd-week follow-up between the two groups. Between the intervals, both the groups had a significant difference (P < 0.05) for plaque, gingival, and calculus index. Conclusion: Scaling followed by polishing had better results when compared to scaling without polishing. Microlocal irregularities, caused by scaling procedures, might be the cause for further accumulation of debris which can be reduced by polishing procedures.