Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different Manual Tooth Brush Bristle Design: A Crossover Study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the plaque removal efficacy of four tooth brushes with different bristle designs viz. criss-cross, zig-zag, circular, and flat. Methodology: The study was a randomized 4 sequence, cross-over design assessing the plaque removal efficacy of all four brushes on a single occasion. The study was done using 60 subjects who were divided into 4 groups (A, B, C, D). According to the sequence of toothbrush allocation, each group comprised of 15 subjects. Results: When compared the pre and post brushing ‘Plaque index’ using paired t-test, all four brushes showed a significant reduction in plaque (p <0.001). Change in plaque index was not significant when compared in all four brushes but it was least in flat as compared to all others and highest in circular tooth brush type. Conclusion: The present study shows no significant differences between the four toothbrushes, but continuous research is required to improve the toothbrush efficacy because improvement of tool than technique is a more easy approach for mass practice.

Keywords

• Mechanical tooth brushing, periodontitis, tooth brush.