A specific brushing sequence and plaque removal efficacy: a randomized split‐mouth design

Abstract

Using a manual toothbrush reduced the plaque scores between 55 and 58% with no difference between brushing from either the lingual or buccal aspect first. Within the limitations of this study, a recommendation to start toothbrushing the lingual aspect is not supported by the outcome in this young student population.

Dry brushing: Does it improve plaque removal? A secondary analysis

“…Both original experiments approximated the Good Clinical Practice (CPMP/ICH/135/95) guidelines, in agreement with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (2013) and in accordance with the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO), as well as applicable local regulations. The experiments were approved by the medical ethical committee at Amsterdam Medical Centre (AMC) (#2014_118) and were registered at the Dutch Trial Register (#NTR4604). The experiments took place at the Department of Periodontology of the Academic Centre for Dentistry of Amsterdam (ACTA) in the Netherlands in the period from June until September 2014.…”

“…Prior to the study procedures, an informed consent form was signed by all eligible subjects that had agreed to participate, who were informed that they were free to withdraw at any time. Both previous experiments are separately published in the public domain as full scientific papers …”

“…The participants had been included in two previous experiments involving two single‐brushing exercises . They had been recruited from various universities and colleges in and around Amsterdam and had been screened by a dental hygienist (MPCL).…”

“…There was one study coordinator, (EVDS) who supervised the assignment of both brushing procedures. For each of the clinical experiments, sample size calculation was performed “a priori” which revealed that at least 40 participants were needed to be able to reject the null hypothesis. For this secondary analysis, no sample size was calculated and was analysed based on the data of the two previous experiments.…”

“…Plaque removal with a dry toothbrush has not been compared to that of a prewetted toothbrush with water. Recently, we published two similar single‐brushing exercises of which one included brushing with a prewetted and the other brushing with a dry toothbrush . Both published experiments were initiated as a proof of principal to investigated a certain theory and whether this has practical implications.…”