Abstract
BACKGROUND: Toothbrushing is the most commonly used method to physically remove dental plaque. However, there are many areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. The type of toothbrush is a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of oral care. The purpose of the study was to evaluate a toothbrush with a thin head, slender-neck and super-tapered bristles to target hard-to-reach areas in the oral cavity for reducing dental plaque and gingivitis. METHODS: This crossover study included 58 adults aged 20 years and older. All participants were randomly assigned to use test and control toothbrushes (the latter had a normal head and round bristles) for two 4-week phases. Participants brushed their teeth twice daily in their habitual manner. At the start and end of each phase the Silness-Lӧe plaque index (PI), Lӧe -Silness gingival index (GI) and bleeding-on-probing index (BOP) were assessed and performed plaque fluorescence tests using quantitative light-induced fluorescence technology. RESULTS: After using the test toothbrush, PI, GI and BOP decreased by 25%, 30% and 48%, respectively (P < 0.05). For the rearmost molars, PI, GI and BOP decreased by 18%, 26% and 47%, respectively (P < 0.05). For the implants, GI and BOP decreased by 31% and 57%, respectively (P < 0.05). The plaque fluorescence tests indicated that after using the test toothbrush, the dental plaque area for the anterior teeth and the simple plaque score for the rearmost molars decreased by 25% (P < 0.05) and 14% (P = 0.527), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The test toothbrush was markedly better than the control toothbrush at reducing dental plaque and gingivitis. In particular, the test toothbrush produced an excellent reduction in dental plaque and gingivitis for the rearmost molars and the implants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0009669, retrospectively registered 02/08/2024.