The effect of tapered toothbrush filaments compared to end-rounded filaments on dental plaque, gingivitis and gingival abrasion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review was performed to establish the effect of a manual toothbrush with tapered toothbrush filaments (TFTBs) compared to a manual toothbrush with end-rounded toothbrush filaments (ERTB) on clinical parameters of dental plaque, gingivitis and gingival abrasion.


METHODS
MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane-CENTRAL databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were (randomized) controlled clinical trials, participants ≥18 years and papers evaluating the effect of a TFTB compared to an ERTB. Data were extracted for dental plaque index (PI), bleeding scores (BS), gingival index scores (GI) and gingival abrasion scores (GA). A descriptive analysis and a meta-analysis were performed when appropriate.


RESULTS
An independent screening of 33 unique papers resulted in seven eligible publications, which included eight comparisons. Meta-analysis did not show a significant difference between TFTB and ERTB with respect to PI scores. The meta-analysis of the GI scores showed a significant mean difference in favour of the TFTB (DiffM=-0.12 [95% CI: -0.17; -0.07]). Of the three comparisons evaluating GA, no differences were found.


CONCLUSIONS
With respect to plaque removal, evidence that supports the recommendation for usage of a TFTB over an ERTB is lacking. Regarding GI, there is minimal evidence favouring a TFTB over an ERTB and the clinical relevance of this difference is probably negligible. Therefore, based on the collective evidence emerging from this systematic review, the strength and direction of the recommendation, there appears to be no firm evidence for a dental healthcare professional to advise the use of a TFTB over the use of an ERTB.
Dental Hygienist practice Mondzorg Soest, Soest, The Netherlands.
Fcr
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Hoogteijling
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6740-5657
NL
Hennequin-Hoenderdos
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
G A
GA
Van der Weijden
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
D E
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7234-0037
DE
Slot
D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010512:Periodontal Index; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*
conical; end rounded; filaments; manual; review; tapered; toothbrush