Effect of toothbrush wear on plaque control

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive toothbrush wear on plaque control. At baseline (week 0), each of 20 subjects was given a new toothbrush which they used for the 9-week period of the study. At weeks 0, 3 and 6, all plaque was professionally removed. The amount of plaque which accumulated in each of the 3 successive 3-week experimental periods was assessed at weeks 3, 6 and 9. Toothbrush wear was evaluated by measuring the increase in the brushing surface area of toothbrushes at weeks 3, 6 and 9 as compared with week 0. The brushing surface area was measured by computer analysis of tracings of the brushing surface outlines obtained from standardized photographs. Despite progressive toothbrush wear, the amount of plaque which accumulated in each successive 3-week period decreased. The decrease in plaque scores between weeks 3 and 6 and between weeks 3 and 9 were found to be highly significant (p < 0.001). Toothbrush wear varied widely amongst the subjects. When plaque scores were evaluated for the 10 subjects with highest toothbrush wear, and the 10 with lowest wear, no significant differences were found between the 2 subgroups. Under the experimental conditions of this study, progressive toothbrush wear did not lead to a decrease in plaque control. The improvement in plaque scores may have been due to motivational effects resulting from study participation and anticipation of oral examinations. It was concluded that the wear status of a toothbrush may not be critical in ensuring optimal plaque control.

Is Plaque Removal Efficacy of Toothbrush Related to Bristle Flaring? A 3-month Prospective Parallel Experimental Study

“…The probable cause for the increase in plaque scores is that, as the used brushes became worn because of bristle flaring their capability to remove plaque decreased. The results are in agreement with the findings of previous studies which indicated that bristle wear of toothbrush may impede the effectiveness of plaque removal (14, 18). Similar findings have been reported which state that brushes in good condition remove plaque more between the subjects who used same brush for 10 weeks and the subjects who changed brushes every 2 weeks (15, 21, 22).…”

“…A previously conducted study has suggested that a worn toothbrush may be significantly less effective than a new toothbrush (10). On the contrary, other studies concluded that there is no significant difference in plaque scores were achieved by the subjects with the highest toothbrush wear in comparison to those subjects with the lowest toothbrush wear (13, 14). However, another study has recommended that toothbrushes be replaced frequently to ensure optimal plaque control (15).…”

Assessment of Efficacy of Different Teaching Methods of Tooth Brushing on Oral Hygiene Status in Adults

“…Daly et al reported that motivation, as demonstrated in this study, is one of the most important factors in ensuring optimal plaque control. 9 In the experimental group, although all the methods showed reduction in the plaque scores, the maximum drop in the plaque scores was seen in group 2 (cast group). The result suggest that the subjects could understand the brushing technique better through the cast, which represents the oral cavity model and it was easier for the subjects to perceive the instructions in a better way.…”

Effects of toothbrushes with tapered and cross angled soft bristle design on dental plaque and gingival inflammation: A randomized and controlled clinical trial

“…This finding is in agreement with previous studies demonstrating wide variation in the rate of toothbrush wear among individuals. 30,31 The degree of toothbrush wear as measured by bristle splaying was not associated with toothbrushing efficiencies in this 30 day study. To our surprise, the toothbrush with the softest bristles showed the least amount of bristle splaying.…”