Toothbrush filaments end-rounding: stereomicroscope analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Toothbrush filaments with rounded ends allow for efficient removal of bacterial plaque and are less harmful to periodontal tissues than non-rounded bristles. The aim of this research was to evaluate the % of rounded filaments considered to be of acceptable quality in different toothbrush brands and to determine whether there is a standardization of quality, as manufacturers claim.


METHODS
Brushes tested included 2 samples of medium-hard nylon or tynex toothbrushes from 31 various types found on the retail market in Italy. Tufts from the same position on the toothbrush head were removed and examined under a stereomicroscope, utilizing methods which did not alter the physical properties of the filaments. In 4 of the 31 toothbrush brands tested, more than 50% of the filaments appeared rounded, in 19 of them, between 11.9% and 40.5% and in 8 brands between 0% and 7%.


RESULTS
Differences were found in the number and disposition of filaments among different brands and even within the same toothbrush brand.


CONCLUSIONS
The results appear to indicate that a large % of toothbrushes on the retail market do not meet acceptable quality criteria.
Checchi
L
L
School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Surgery, University of Bologna, Italy. lcecchi@alma.unibo.it
Minguzzi
S
S
Franchi
M
M
Forteleoni
G
G
D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000628:therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy; D009757:Nylons; D011786:Quality Control; D013499:Surface Properties; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards
D009757:Nylons