title: The curved-bristle toothbrush: an aid for the handicapped population.
abstract: This study was undertaken to assess the comparative effectiveness of two toothbrushes in the removal of plaque in an institutionalized, handicapped population. The two methods were: a conventional toothbrush using the Modified Stillman Method; and a curved-bristle toothbrush using the scrubbing technique recommended by the manufacturer. Subjects selected were profoundly retarded individuals, incapable of self-brushing skills. According to random selection, subjects' teeth were brushed by trained personnel with either the curved bristle or the conventional toothbrush. Results demonstrated that the curved-bristle toothbrush was as effective as the conventional toothbrush when used by trained personnel.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Schuman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*