Comparison of Manual Toothbrushes with Different Bristle Designs in Terms of Cleaning Efficacy and Plaque Control: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the cleaning efficacy and plaque control of the straight and angled bristle design manual toothbrushes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was a pilot randomized trial comprising 30 dental students divided into 2 groups (group I flat bristle design toothbrush and group II zig-zag bristle design toothbrush) with 15 in each group. Prebrushing and postbrushing plaque scores were recorded at the baseline and at the end of 4 weeks using Turesky modification of Quigley and Hein plaque index.

RESULTS

Plaque and gingival scores were reduced significantly at 1 month in group II with < 0.05 than compared to group I where > 0.05. Mean GI and plaque scores of the criss-cross design were reduced significantly after 1 month ( < 0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that plaque and gingival scores significantly reduced ( < 0.05) at 1-month interval.

CONCLUSION

Bristle design has significant impact on plaque removal capacity of a toothbrush. Toothbrush with zig-zag bristle design is efficient in removing plaque than the flat design of a toothbrush.