Plaque removal by worn toothbrush.
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of the influence of toothbrush wear on plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) indexes.


METHODS
20 university students were recruited. PI and GI were recorded at the starting point (T0). Each subject received a toothbrush and toothpaste. 5 measurements of toothbrush were recorded to establish the initial size. The subjects were instructed to brush 3 x a day and to refrain from using other plaque removal aids. After 1 month (T1), the subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: group no. 1 substituted the toothbrush at each monthly visit; group no. 2 brushed only with the toothbrush provided at T0. Recalls were scheduled after 1 (T1), 2 (T2) and 3 months (T3). PI, GI and an index of wear (WI) were calculated using 5 measurements of the toothbrush head and were recorded at recalls.


RESULTS
From T0 to T3, a significant increase of PI was found within both groups. Non-significant differences, but very close to the significant level (p= 0.063), in group no. 1 and significant differences in group no. 2 of GI were found. No significant differences of PI and GI were found between groups. Increase of the WI was registered from T0 to T3 (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Each individual is capable of maintaining low PI, even if using a toothbrush that shows evidence of wear.
Sforza
N M
NM
Department of Periodontology, University of Bologna, Italy.
Rimondini
L
L
di Menna
F
F
Camorali
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000628:therapy*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D010512:Periodontal Index; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013499:Surface Properties; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*