Effect of Toothbrushes with Differences in Design of Filament Ends on Plaque Removal

Abstract

 Various clinical studies have reported the effects of different toothbrushes. However, many of these studies compared toothbrushes that have different designs. Thus, few clinical studies have compared toothbrushes that differ only in bristles. In the present study, we compared the effect of different designs of filament ends on plaque removal by keeping all other parts of the toothbrush consistent, and measured the brushing pressure.

 A total of 61 adults were randomized to use the same toothbrushes with one of the following characteristics: 1) mechanically-treated tapered bristles, 2) chemically-treated tapered bristles, and 3) end-rounded bristles. Subjects were asked to brush their teeth 3 times a day for three minutes each over a three-week period. On days 0 and 21, plaque removal rates were measured after brushing. Brushing pressure was measured while using the control toothbrush (GUM dental brush # 211) and test toothbrush.

 The average plaque removal rates on days 0 and 21 were 62.5 and 55.4% in the mechanically-treated tapered bristle group, 42.8 and 40.1% in the chemically-treated tapered bristle group, and 65.0 and 55.9% in the end-rounded bristle group. There was a significant difference in plaque removal rates between the mechanically-treated tapered bristle and chemically-treated tapered bristle groups, and between the end-rounded bristle and chemically-treated tapered bristle groups (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in brushing pressure among the three groups.

 Collectively, these findings suggest that mechanically-treated tapered bristles and end-rounded bristles are more effective than chemically-treated tapered bristles in removing plaque.