The curved-bristle toothbrush: an aid for the handicapped population.

This study was undertaken to assess the comparative effectiveness of two toothbrushes in the removal of plaque in an institutionalized, handicapped population. The two methods were: a conventional toothbrush using the Modified Stillman Method; and a curved-bristle toothbrush using the scrubbing technique recommended by the manufacturer. Subjects selected were profoundly retarded individuals, incapable of self-brushing skills. According to random selection, subjects' teeth were brushed by trained personnel with either the curved bristle or the conventional toothbrush. Results demonstrated that the curved-bristle toothbrush was as effective as the conventional toothbrush when used by trained personnel.