Assessing adherence with toothbrushing instructions using a data logger toothbrush.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate patient compliance with toothbrushing instructions using a data logger and a brushing diary.


METHODS
Dental patients were provided with powered toothbrushes modified to carry electronic data loggers. Demonstration of the most effective way to use the toothbrush was provided with instructions to brush for 2 minutes morning and evening. Data logger brushes were supplied for two episodes of 8 weeks. Brushing time was also recorded in a diary during episode 1.


RESULTS
Data from 14 brushes (2,287 recordings) were used to evaluate compliance in episode 1 Nine brushes (1,526 recordings) were used in episode 2 A total of 2,333 brushing events were reported manually in the diaries. Data logger records during episode 1 showed that only 34% of events were compliant with the instruction of a 2 minute brushing time, 20% were partially compliant (within +/-30s of 2 minutes), and 46% of events were non-compliant (>30s from 2 minutes). The respective proportions for episode 2 were 24%, 24% and 52%. Diary data reported 58% of events as compliant with 42% non-compliant.


CONCLUSIONS
Manually completed brushing diaries do not provide an accurate reflection of subjects' compliance with toothbrushing instructions.
McCracken
G
G
School of Dental Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. g.i.mccracken@ncl.ac.uk
Janssen
J
J
Heasman
L
L
Stacey
F
F
Steen
N
N
deJager
M
M
Heasman
P
P
D003625:Data Collection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*