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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

A clinical comparison of three powered toothbrushes.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to compare the ability of the Braun Oral-B 3D Excel power toothbrush (BPT), the Sonicare power toothbrush (SPT) and the Philips Sensiflex 2000 (HX 2550) power toothbrush (PPT) to control plaque and reduce experimentally induced gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experiments were carried out in two different groups of subjects using a split-mouth design whereby the two halves of the mandible which had been allowed to develop gingivitis were brushed over a 4-week period with the test toothbrushes. Experiment 1 compared the BPT with the SPT (n = 35) and experiment 2 compared the BPT with the PPT (n = 32). The study used a run-in period of 2 weeks, which, together with the 3-week experimental gingivitis phase, represented the pretrial phase of the experiment. The purpose of this phase was two-fold: first, to enable the subjects to become acquainted with the two power brushes and for them to receive proper oral hygiene instruction, and, second, to develop a reasonable level of gingivitis on the mandible. Those subjects with at least 40% of sites exhibiting bleeding in each quadrant in the mandible at day 21 of the experimental gingivitis phase were allowed to continue with the trial. During the next 4 weeks (treatment phase) of each experiment, subjects were told to brush according to a split-mouth design, the right and left sides of the mouth being randomly allocated to a toothbrush. During this period, no rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash or flossing was allowed and a standard toothpaste (Zendium(R)) was used. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the plaque index (Quigley & Hein) and the bleeding tendency on marginal probing were assessed in the mandible. RESULTS: Experiment 1 showed that the bleeding score was reduced from 1.63 to 1.12 at 4 weeks by the BPT and from 1.65 to 1.26 by the SPT. This reduction was more rapid and greater with the BPT (P < 0.05). The plaque index was reduced from 2.19 at day 21-1.03 at 4 weeks by the BPT, and from 2.18 to 1.20 by the SPT. The difference between the two toothbrushes was not significant. Experiment 2 showed that the bleeding score was reduced from 1.77 at day 21 to 1.07 at 4 weeks by the BPT and from 1.75 to 1.24 by the PPT. This reduction was more rapid and greater with the BPT (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in plaque index at 4 weeks (BPT, 1.09; PPT, 0.95). Data from the questionnaire at the end of the study revealed that, in both experiments, most subjects preferred the BPT. CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study show that the design and action of the Braun Oral-B 3D Excel power toothbrush are more effective in resolving gingivitis than the Sonicare & the Philips Sensiflex 2000 power toothbrushes.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2003

Comparison of modified Bass technique with normal toothbrushing practices for efficacy in supragingival plaque removal.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to compare the efficacy in supragingival plaque removal of normal toothbrushing practices and a particular toothbrushing technique, the modified Bass method. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The research consisted of two identical experiments with two toothbrushing methods: the normal toothbrushing practices and the modified Bass technique. Forty-six secondary, non-dental students (10 males and 36 females) with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years were selected. Dental plaque was assessed according to the Turesky modification of Quigley-Hein Index. Subjects were requested not to brush their teeth 48 h prior to the baseline record of plaque index. Participants were instructed to brush twice daily during 3 min for the duration of the 3-week trial using their usual toothpaste. Plaque index was recorded at 2, 7 and 21 days. RESULTS: The modified Bass (Mod-Bass) technique was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective in removing supragingival plaque than normal toothbrushing practices both in all, buccal and lingual sites. After 21 days, the normal practices did not significantly decrease mean plaque indices compared to the scores calculated after 7 days (P > 0.05), but did so with the modified Bass technique (P < 0.05). The modified Bass technique was specially efficient at the lingual sites where it was 2.9-fold more effective than normal practices in reducing plaque scores (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results show that a particular toothbrushing technique as modified Bass method is significantly superior to normal toothbrushing practices in supragingival plaque removal. The introduction of a specific toothbrushing technique, such as modified Bass technique represents an important improvement in the oral hygiene of the patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Sonic and mechanical toothbrushes. An in vitro study showing altered microbial surface structures but lack of effect on viability.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the in vitro effects of a mechanical and a sonic toothbrush on the viability of Actinomyces viscosus, the rationale being that induction of irreparable microbial damage resulting from aggressive mechanical action or sonic energy, may inhibit or disrupt the process of successional colonization. Cultures of A. viscosus were grown to a standardized optical density and subdivided into 3 treatment groups of 20 specimens each. Treatment groups consisted of an untreated control and exposure to a mechanical or sonic toothbrush for 15, 30, 45, and 60 s. Subsequent to the prescribed treatment, samples were taken from each specimen dish, subcultured, and the number of CFUs determined. Additional samples were obtained for negative staining and examination by electron microscopy. The mean number of CFUs for each treatment group at each treatment interval were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and multiple pairwise comparisons. Results showed a significant main effect for toothbrushes (p<0.0001) and exposure time (p<0.01), but only marginal significance for the interaction of toothbrush with exposure time (p<0.055). Post-hoc tests showed a significantly greater number of CFUs for the sonic toothbrush compared to both the untreated control and mechanical toothbrush groups. Electron microscopic examination revealed a decrease in aggregation tendency and loss of fimbriae in the sonic toothbrush group. Based on the lack of morphologic evidence that would indicate cell damage and the increase in CFUs over that of the control group, it appeared that neither the mechanical or sonic toothbrushes affected cell viability.

Actinomyces viscosus↗
PubMed2004

The electric toothbrush: analysis of filaments under stereomicroscope.

BACKGROUND: The use of manual and electric toothbrushes has a fundamental role in primary prevention in oral hygiene. However, aggressive use of the toothbrush, especially those with non-rounded filaments, can result in lesions in both soft and hard oral tissue. Without doubt, the electric toothbrush is a useful aid for the patient, and it is therefore interesting to evaluate not only its effectiveness in plaque removal, but also the relationship between morphology of filaments and incidence of muco-gingival pathologies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to evaluate various forms of bristles of electric toothbrushes under a stereomicroscope vision. DATA SOURCES: Brushes tested included two samples of toothbrushes from six different types. Tufts from the same position on the toothbrush head were removed and examined under stereomicroscope. In this study the percentage of rounded filaments that is considered acceptable and non-traumatic was evaluated according to the Silverstone and Featherstone classification. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological analysis of electric toothbrush filaments revealed a low percentage of rounded filaments. In only four of 12 electric toothbrushes tested there were more than 50% of the filaments rounded in appearance.

Dental Devices, Home Care↗
PubMed1998

ADRF Trebitsch Scholarship. The microbial contamination of toothbrushes. A pilot study.

Ten individuals were each supplied with a new toothbrush of the same type and brand, together with identical tubes of fluoridated toothpaste. After a three-week period, during which subjects were asked to follow their usual oral hygiene practices, the toothbrushes were collected and assayed for microbial contamination using a range of selective growth media. The total microbial load per toothbrush was found to be 10(4) to 10(5) colony forming units. Staphylococci were found on all toothbrushes and streptococci on all but one. These two genera were also quantitatively dominant. Candida, corynebacteria, pseudomonads and coliforms were identified in 70, 60, 50 and 30 per cent of toothbrushes, respectively. However, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and black-pigmented Gram-negative anaerobic rods were not detected on any of the toothbrushes. For each individual, information on variables such as toothbrush rinsing practices and post-brushing storage methods and environment was collected. No obvious relationship between such variables and microbial load was apparent but it is suggested that more extensive studies are needed, taking into account additional parameters such as age and degree of toothbrush wear and the use of pre-brushing mouthwashes.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

An intervention programme to establish regular toothbrushing: understanding parents' beliefs and motivating children.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefit of twice daily toothbrushing on newly erupted first permanent molars. To investigate, through the Health Belief Model, how parents' beliefs influence the likelihood of their children brushing twice a day. To identify aspects of a toothbrushing intervention programme that can be used in general dental practice. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Schools in deprived communities in Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: 461, 5-year-old children. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: Supervised toothbrushing on school-days with a 1,000 ppm chalk-based fluoride toothpaste for two years. A school and home-based incentive scheme including toothbrushing charts, 6-monthly dental examinations and parental questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caries increment and twice daily toothbrushing. RESULTS: In the control group, children who brushed once a day or less had 64% more caries than those who brushed at least twice a day (P = 0.001). In the intervention group this difference in caries was reduced to 16% (P > 0.05). The most significant parental belief explaining variation in twice-daily brushing was whether parents feel strongly that there is time to check their child's toothbrushing (P = 0.0001). The odds of these parents reporting that their child brushes twice daily are nearly three times greater. 95% of parents felt that toothbrushing charts would be a good way for dentists in practice to encourage children to brush regularly. CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of twice daily toothbrushing on caries development in newly erupted first permanent molar teeth is around 50% compared to brushing once a day or less. Parents' beliefs do influence the likelihood of their children brushing twice a day. Key parts of the intervention programme can be used when children attend general dental practice and would be welcomed by parents.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of instruction and motivation in the use of electric and manual toothbrushes in periodontal patients. A comparative study.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of manual and electric toothbrushes in plaque control in periodontal patients after proper instructions. Thirty six periodontal patients (mean age of 49 years, 21 females and 15 males) were included and completed the study (100% compliance). A single-blinded, randomized, controlled, cross-over clinical design was adopted, with the patients using during 2 periods of 14 days each the manual and/or electric toothbrush. Four subgroups of 9 individuals were studied: A1--used manual toothbrush in both experimental periods; A2--used the manual toothbrush during the first period and the electrical toothbrush during the second period; B1--used electrical toothbrush during both periods; B2--used the electrical toothbrush in the first period and the manual one in the second period. Brushing was performed during 14 days and at day 14 and 28 it was performed in the clinic, and timing of brushing was recorded without patients being aware. The Plaque Index (Silness, Löe, 1964) was used. Intra-group comparisons were performed by paired t-test and inter-group comparisons by independent sample t-test, with an alpha level of 0.05. The results showed no difference between the tested brushes neither for plaque nor for timing. However, re-instruction was detected as an important factor, since for all groups the second period, after reinstruction, showed lower plaque scores. It is concluded that professional advice and instruction and re-instruction seem more important in order to obtain good plaque control than the choice of toothbrush in subjects with periodontal disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Effects of toothbrushing prior and/or subsequent to dietary acid application on smear layer formation and the patency of dentinal tubules: an SEM study.

Dentine sensitivity is a quite common condition, associated with open dentinal tubules patent all the way to the pulp. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of toothbrushing preceded and/or followed by dietary acid application on the patency of dentinal tubules. Dentine sections were prepared from recently extracted human molars and, after removal of the smear layer, were treated as follows: 1) toothbrushing alone; 2) toothbrushing followed by exposure to orange juice; and 3) toothbrushing subsequent to orange juice exposure. All specimens were observed in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) at a standard magnification and the patency of the dentinal tubules estimated. Results showed that toothbrushing alone was the most effective in occluding the tubules, followed by toothbrushing subsequent to dietary acid application, and then by toothbrushing prior to dietary acid application. From the results of this study it may be that in cases of dentine sensitivity toothbrushing should not precede or follow dietary acid application but be separate from mealtimes. Clinical research is required to confirm the findings of this in vitro study.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

Ethnomedical aspects of the commonly used toothbrush sticks in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the botanical identity, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial property of the commonly used toothbrush sticks in Ethiopia. SETTING: Research laboratories of the departments of Biology and Chemistry, Addis Ababa University between December 1993 and May 1995. METHODS: The study was performed by purchasing the commonly used toothbrush sticks from street markets in various towns of Ethiopia. Voucher specimens were collected and their botanical identity was determined following floral keys. The toothbrush sticks were ground in a mill and soaked in absolute methanol for 24 hours and filtered. The filtrates were dried in a rotary evaporator and the crude extracts were stored at 4 degrees C. The crude methanol extracts were used to test their antibacterial activity by impregnating into filter paper discs and placing on test plates of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cerues. Their lethality to brine shrimp (Artemia salina) was performed following standard procedures. RESULTS: Twenty different species of plant used as toothbrush were collected and their botanical identity determined. Crude methanol extracts of only Agave sisalana, Birbira and Hypericum revolutum test concentrations up to 500 micrograms/ml showed weak toxicity to brine shrimp. All the extracts showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus by agar diffusion method. CONCLUSION: Toothbrush sticks can be used by the vast majority of people who cannot afford buying the commercial toothbrush and toothpaste. The toothbrush sticks may be important for the oral and dental hygiene of the users and hence may be useful in decreasing dental caries. Further studies should focus on the effect of the toothbrush sticks against other common bacteria that are associated with dental diseases.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1999

Plaque removal efficacy of the V-shaped toothbrush with new designs in bristle arrangement.

Experimental bristle arrangements were applied to a conventional V-shaped bristle-design toothbrush in an effort to improve plaque removal efficacy in interproximal areas. A single-blind cross-over study was performed to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of this new bristle arrangement by comparing it to either a more conventional V-shaped toothbrush or a flat-headed toothbrush. Plaque removal efficacy was determined by assessing the percentage of plaque score reduction following a single controlled brushing. The new toothbrush bristle arrangement had a significantly higher plaque removal percentage efficacy than both the V-shaped toothbrush (59.1% vs. 48.5%; p = 0.0092) and the flat-headed toothbrush (65.3% vs. 55.3%; p = 0.0260) in interproximal areas. These differences were also consistent with whole mouth comparisons. When the subjects were asked about their preferences for the three different bristle formats used in this study, there was no significant difference of opinion found. These findings indicated a superiority of the new toothbrush to the other two, more conventional toothbrush bristle styles on plaque removal efficacy with these study subjects, but no particular preference for bristle design.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A 3-month comparative investigation of the safety and efficacy of a new toothbrush: results from two independent clinical studies.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of a new toothbrush featuring a novel brush head design with those of two established toothbrushes by measuring plaque and gingivitis over a period of 12 weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush was compared with the Dr. Best InterDent and Crest DeepSweep toothbrushes in two independent, parallel-group, examiner-blind clinical studies. Each study involved approximately 100 healthy individuals from a general population. At baseline, after 23-25 hrs of no oral hygiene, oral hard and soft tissues were examined and whole mouth, marginal and approximal plaque scores and whole mouth gingivitis scores were recorded. Subjects in the two studies were asked to use their assigned toothbrush twice a day. No instruction in brushing technique or brushing time was given. After a period of 6 weeks and finally after 12 weeks, subjects in the studies were reassessed for oral tissue status, and their plaque and gingival indices were rescored. RESULTS: In each of the two studies, the tested toothbrushes significantly reduced levels of plaque and gingivitis. The CrossAction toothbrush was, however, more effective in reducing both plaque and gingivitis over 12 weeks, the differences in favor of the CrossAction being statistically significant. All the toothbrushes tested in this investigation were found to be safe with no evidence of hard or soft tissue trauma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

A clinical investigation into the effect of toothbrush wear on efficacy.

It is generally recommended that toothbrushes should be replaced after three-months' use in order to maintain efficacy. This clinical investigation employed a single-use, cross-over study and a three-month parallel-group study to investigate the effect of toothbrush wear on plaque and gingival health. Toothbrushes were artificially worn using a laboratory wear machine to simulate three months of clinical toothbrush use. Results from the single-use study showed that both the new and the worn toothbrushes significantly reduced whole mouth, marginal and approximal plaque scores from pre- to post-brushing (p < 0.0001). The new brush was, however, significantly more effective than the worn brush, demonstrating 13.4%, 11.0%, and 17.0% greater plaque reduction for whole mouth, marginal and approximal sites, respectively (p < 0.0001). Results from the three-month study confirmed this finding, with significant differences in plaque reduction (p < 0.0001) between the new and worn toothbrushes at 6 and 12 weeks for all sites. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) between the groups was also found for mean whole mouth gingivitis scores; this difference favoring the new brush at both 6 and 12 weeks. Examination of hard and soft oral tissues revealed no significant difference between the new and the worn brushes with respect to safety. It is concluded that a worn toothbrush is less effective than a new toothbrush for plaque removal and control of gingivitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A practice based evaluation of a range of children's manual toothbrushes: safety and acceptance.

Toothbrushes for children have not suited all age groups. The development of a series of children's toothbrushes (Oral-B Stages toothbrushes) targeted at four age-defined groups and designed to meet their needs offers the potential to enhance oral hygiene. To obtain information regarding the specific likes and dislikes of these four children's toothbrushes, a randomized, practice based study involving children between the ages of 4 months and 11 years was conducted. Children were recruited from 25 pediatric dental practices located in the United States, Australia, and Europe. After 1 month of using the brushes, questionnaires were completed by the parents or guardians, children, and dental professionals. Eighty percent to 90% of respondents "liked" or "liked extremely" the toothbrushes with respect to overall like or dislike, cleaning ability, ease of use, and gentleness. Ninety-five percent of the dental professionals in the study concluded that they would recommend these toothbrushes to their patients and 90% thought that the toothbrushes would improve their patients' oral health. It was concluded that the four children's toothbrushes are safe and effective. The design of the brush heads should enhance plaque removal while the ergonomic design of the handles will aid dexterity.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

A plaque removal study comparing two advanced-design oscillating battery-powered toothbrushes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the plaque removal efficacy of two advanced-design battery-powered toothbrushes (Crest SpinBrush Pro and Oral-B CrossAction Power) following a single use. METHODOLOGY: This study was a randomized, controlled, examiner-blind, four-period crossover design, which examined plaque removal with the two toothbrushes following a single use by 40 subjects. Plaque was scored before and after brushing using the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Index. RESULTS: Average baseline plaque scores were 2.915 and 2.883 for the SpinBrush Pro and CrossAction Power toothbrush treatments, respectively. The SpinBrush Pro toothbrush delivered an adjusted (via analysis of covariance) mean difference between baseline and post-brushing plaque scores of 0.802, while the CrossAction Power toothbrush delivered an adjusted mean difference of 0.667. The SpinBrush Pro toothbrush, on average, had 20.2% greater plaque removal scores relative to the CrossAction Power toothbrush. These results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The observed results on the buccal and lingual surfaces were consistent with the overall results, and were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the conclusion that the SpinBrush Pro removes statistically significantly greater amounts of plaque over a one-minute brushing period compared to the CrossAction Power toothbrush.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of triclosan dentifrice on toothbrush contamination.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate by culture and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the contamination of toothbrushes of 30 children (5-7 years old) by mutans streptococci (MS) when dentifrices with or without triclosan are used. METHODS: The clinical procedures were divided into 3 phases at 1-week intervals. In phase 1 (group I), the children brushed their teeth without dentifrice for 4 minutes; phase 2 (group II) brushed with fluoridated dentifrice (Tandy); phase 3 (group III) brushed with dentifrice containing triclosan (Colgate Total). The toothbrushes were then submitted to microbiological processing for the counting of colony-forming units (CFUs) of MS adhered to the bristles. Four toothbrushes from each group were analyzed by SEM. RESULTS: MS were present on 93% of group I toothbrush bristles and on 77% of group II toothbrush bristles. Only 40% of group III toothbrushes were contaminated with MS. When there was a positive microbiological culture, the formation of cariogenic bacterial biofilm adhered to the bristles of all groups was identified by SEM. CONCLUSIONS: Toothbrush bristles were contaminated by MS after only one use. A dentifrice containing triclosan significantly reduced bacterial contamination of these toothbrushes.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
PubMed2004

Comparing the Dr. SEDOC and ADA toothbrushes in three independent laboratory procedures.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to compare the Dr. SEDOC toothbrush, tufted with super-tapered bristles, to the ADA standard toothbrush in three laboratory procedures designed to evaluate 1) the cleaning ability of toothbrush bristles at the gingival margin (GMC), 2) interproximal access efficacy (IAE) and plaque removal efficacy, or 3) subgingival access (SA) into, and removal of artificial plaque deposits from under the gingival margin. METHODOLOGY: Efficacy was tested using three published laboratory methods, with pressure-sensitive paper placed around simulated teeth, at a brushing pressure of 250 or 500 g, with horizontal or vertical brushing motions. Twenty-four tests on each toothbrush design were conducted, and results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. RESULTS: In all three assays, the Dr. SEDOC toothbrush had a significantly superior (p < 0.001) efficacy mean value compared to the ADA toothbrush. CONCLUSION: The Dr. SEDOC toothbrush, with super-tapered bristles, offers the potential for improved cleaning and plaque removal compared to the ADA standard control toothbrush.

American Dental Association↗
PubMed2004

Effectiveness of a three-headed toothbrush in pre-school children.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness in plaque removal of a three-headed toothbrush with a conventional toothbrush in pre-school children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine children (aged 4-5 years) participated in this study. Fourteen children (group A) used a three-headed toothbrush, and 15 children (group B) used a conventional toothbrush for 3 months. At the initial visit, the children brushed their teeth with their regular toothbrush, and at the final visit with the type of toothbrush they had used for the past 3 months. Plaque was recorded at 48 surfaces (molars: vestibular, oral, occlusal; front teeth: vestibular, oral). Plaque reduction was assessed on anterior and posterior areas of the dentition, and on the different tooth surfaces in sextants (I = 55/54; II = 53/63; III = 64/65; IV = 74/75; V = 73/83; VI = 84/85). Statistical evaluation was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: In group A, the median number of surfaces with plaque was reduced significantly after 3 months (p < 0.05). At final examination the number of surfaces with plaque in both groups differed significantly (p < 0.05). Significant decreases in plaque scores were recorded at maxillary and mandibular posterior and mandibular anterior teeth in group A (p < 0.05). The comparison of changes in plaque scores of both groups showed significant differences (p < 0.05) on the occlusal surfaces of molars, except in sextant IV. Significant differences between the groups were also noted on all surfaces of the left side and on the occlusal surfaces of the right side of the mouth (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the three-headed toothbrush could be an alternative to the conventional toothbrush.

Amines↗
PubMed2005

[Tooth cleaning with different children's toothbrushes. A clinical study].

Toothbrushing is still the most effective method to maintain healthy conditions for teeth and gingiva. Over the last decades various manual and electric toothbrushes were developed to simplify oral hygiene and to shorten the duration of plaque removal. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two conventional toothbrushes and a three-headed toothbrush. Over a period of eight months 47 schoolchildren, aged between five and nine years, used different toothbrushes (one conventional medium-hard "Pingu", one conventional soft "CuraKid" and the three-headed toothbrush "Superbrush"). The study had a balanced, single blinded cross-over design. The children were assigned to one of two groups balanced with respect to the O'Leary Plaque Index. Following instructions, one group used a conventional brush during two months, the other group the"Superbrush". After two months they changed the brushes. After eight months the children had used all three brushes. The children were instructed to keep their usual oral hygiene habits. At the start and the end of each experimental period, the presence of plaque and gingival inflammation were recorded. A significant improvement of plaque removal and reduction of the gingival inflammation over eight months were noticed for all three brushes (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the cleaning efficiency between the three toothbrushes (P > 0.05). Significant improvements in plaque removal in children can be achieved following good brushing instructions regardless of the toothbrush design used.

Child↗