[An analysis of the effect of adult tooth-brushing].
OBJECTIVE
This study observed plaque distribution on permanent dentition before and after brushing to analyze the effect of adult tooth-brushing.


METHODS
81 undergraduate were included in this study. Recorded the time of tooth-brushing, stained with disclosing tablets, plaque deposits on all permanent teeth were recorded using plaque index (PLI) before and after tooth-brushing.


RESULTS
The time of tooth-brushing was from 28 s to 2 min 32 s, the mean time was 57 s, the males' was 49 s, the females' was 64 s. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between males and females. The mean PLI of maxillary tooth was 0.41 +/- 0.03, for mandibular tooth was 0.47 +/- 0.03, there was significant difference between maxillary and mandibular. After brushing, the mean PLI of males was 0.532 +/- 0.04, of females was 0.295 +/- 0.03, there was significant difference of PLI between males and females (P < 0.05). These tooth PLI score were higher than other's mandibular and maxillary molars, these surface PLI score were higher than other's, buccal surface of maxillary molars and palatal site of maxillary molars.


CONCLUSIONS
People should spend more time on brushing tooth. Tooth brushing should be emphasized on these tooth and surfaces with higher PLI score. Man should pay more attention to tooth brushing.
Zhang
Xiao-fang
XF
School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110002, China.
Cheng
Rui-bo
RB
D000328:Adult; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing