Efficacy+of+Different+Toothbrushes

= = Efficacy of Different Toothbrushes ** Marcia: **It is important to know the efficacy of different toothbrushes to have the best available products available to our patients who trust in us to know this information. There are still enough studies to test the efficacy of many manual toothbrushes available to the open market. However Sonicare has a electric toothbrush that has been tested to prove that is it more effective than using a manual toothbrush to remove plaque in patients undergoing ortho treatment. Sonicare also has a multi-floss3-phase dental floss head for the electric brush which has not been proven to be any more effective than the normal head. Using an electric toothbrush must be used with floss daily to the best results in good oral hygiene. To get true results of toothbrushes and interdental aids is to have patients that wants to use them. If there is no compliance the device is truly not useful. Newman, M. G., Takei, H. H., Klokkevold, P. R., & Carranza, F. A. (2006). Carranza’s clinical periodontology (10th ed.). St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier Kossack, C., Jost-Brinkmann, P. (2006). Plaque and gingivitis reduction in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances- comparison of toothbrushes and interdental cleaning aids. //Journal of orofacial orthopedicas.66.// 20-38.Recived on May 19, 2009 from http://www.springerlink.com.lib-proxy.fullerton.edu/content/kxkg2kmx31efqlj1/fulltext.pdf

Reina: When 40 patients were recruited to a 16-month single-blind, two-group, randomized, parallel group clinical trial to compare the effects of manual and oscillating/rotating powered toothbrushes in a cohort of patients with chronic periodontitis, the results were that there were no differences in plaque index reduction or pocket depth reduction between patients who underwent non-surgical management of chronic periodontal disease and used either toothbrush. None of the patients had previous experience of using an oscillating/rotating brush. Both groups were supplied with the same toothpaste, and toothbrush heads and manual toothbrushes were replaced every 2 months. Additional interdental aids such as floss and interdental brushes, were supplied where appropriate and according to individual needs.

McCracken, G. I., Heasman, L., Stacey, F., Steen, N., De Jager, M., & Heasman, P. A. (2004, September). A clinical comparison of an oscillating/rotating powered toothbrush and a manual toothbrush in patients with chronic periodontitis. //Journal of Clinical Periodontology//, //31//(9), 805-812.

Diem Efficacy of Different Toothbrushes: Toothbrushes are the most important daily plaque removal; however, which types of toothbrushes is the ideal one? A randomized, examiner blind study was conducted on 14 to 15 year old school children on four different designs of toothbrushes: flat-trim, bi-level, wavy, and zigzag soft bristles. The participants are healthy with no systemic diseases or periodontal disease. These subjects were taught to brush with the roll brushing technique for 2 minutes. The result showed that there is no statistically significant on these four types of toothbrushes. The flat-trim bristle design showed greater accumulation of plaque, but no significant statistical different. All toothbrushes showed 60% plaque reduction. I think all toothbrushes work almost the same and its effectiveness depends on the individual’s technique. Sripriya, N., Hyder, S. (2007). A comparative study of the efficacy of four different bristle designs of tooth brushes in plaque removal. //Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 25//, 76-81.

Lia: The study I read indicated that power toothbrushes were more beneficial due to the increased length of time that people brush when using a power tooth brush as opposed to a manual. The powered brush also decreased the amount of force that was placed on the gingiva and tooth structure. When people brushed with a manual brush they exerted more pressure and scrubbed harder causing injury to tissues. The study also indicated that power brushes were overall more effective at removing plaque all the way around.

Sharma, N. (2001). A comparison of a battery-operated power toothbrush and a manual toothbrush with respect to safety and plaque control. American Journal of Dentistry (14) 98-128.

Our job is Oral hygiene instruction. And to provide the best care and education we need to make sure we are showing and educating our patients on the right tools to use in order to have the most and best outcome for their at home care. In order to provide this education to our patients we need to know what types of toothbrushes and interdental aids would be best suited for the specific patients needs. As a health care provider we need to watch for what our patients are capable of. Is there any disabilities the patient may have that may prevent them from using certain toothbrushes or interdental aids. It is our job to find an option that works best and that will benefit each patient to the best of their ability and in hopes that they have great at home compliance. Desvarieux, M. (2005, February). Regular tooth-brushing benefits heart: study. American Heart Association. Gugerli, P., Secci, G., Mombelli, A. (2007). Evaluation of the benefits of using a power toothbrush during the initial phase of periodontal therapy. Journal of Periodontology. 4 (78), 654-660.
 * Dorinda- **

Britney

Here is a link to a chart from dimensions in May 2008 that lists many toothbrushes on the market as well as different features of the brushes. []

Noo: Dental hygienist provide more oral health education services than all other oral professionals. We have to be well aware of advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of toothbrushes. The study show manual toothbrushes can be just effective as powered ones if a person does brush correctly and with the recommended length of time. There was a study comparing oral-B and Sonic care. The study showed Sonic care removed more amount of plaque located in interproximal area than oral-B.

Wilkins, E.(2005). Oral infection control: toothbrushes and tooth brushing. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist (9th ed). Goucher, J., Dietz, K., & Define, C. (Ed). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Baltimore, MD.

Tawnya: As dental professionals it is important to know the products that are available to our patients, the indication for use and situations when the product should be recommended. With such a wide variety of dental products, choosing a toothbrush at the grocery store could be an overwhelming process for some. A study was conducted evaluating different shapes of bristles including flat, wave, bi-level and zig zag in soft bristles. The participants were instructed to use the Bass technique for 2 minutes and all the brushes yielded a 60% plaque decrease. To me, this means proper technique is far more important than a fancy manual brush. Another study compared 2 electric brushes: the Sonicare Elite and the Oral B 3D. They tested the brushes with the power off and then with the power on. Both brushes removed more interproximal plaque with the power on with Sonicare at 32% and the Oral B at 9.5%. I feel this study doesn't confirm that electric brushes are better than manual, just that the electric toothbrushes yield better results when they are used how they were intended...with the power on.

Melrose, D. (2005). Floss alternatives. The Journal of Professional Excellence Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 3(10): 22-26

Milleman J, Putt MS, Sturm D, Master A, Jenkins W, Schmitt P, & Hefti AF. (2007) Comparison of plaque removal by Sonicare FlexCare and Sonicare Elite:Compedium Continuing Education in Dentistry.

Sripriya, N., Hyder, S. (2007). A comparative study of the efficacy of four different bristle designs of tooth brushes in plaque removal. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 25(2), 76-81.

Jennifer When our patients walk in to the tooth brush aisle they are bombarded with fancy handles: colored, cushioned, bent, thick, thin. It is not just the handles which come in a variety of chooses, the bristles can be aligned in a unique pattern to allow for the ultimate reach or in different textures such as soft to hard. We need to be pros at recommending a type of tooth brush to our patients, we need to consider our patients needs and make them a wear of the need to create a common goal. It is said that the bluntly cut bristles can actually damage the tissue. Nylon bristles have shown to be superior to the natural bristles because of the flexibility. The arrangement of the bristles can be a great tool for the patients such as the tuft at the end allows for reach to the distal of the molars, as well as the lingual of the mandible anterior teeth or any other crowded or mal occluded area. Power tooth brushes have also shown to have great success with patients by increasing the motivation of the patient, as well as acting as an aid to those with little dexterity. Power tooth brush also has different heads with different arrangement of bristles to allow for maximum access. Harris, N., Garcia, F. primary Preventive dentistry (2004).Pearson (93-117).

Regular tooth brushing can be very effective if done correctly and for the sufficient amount of time, however, it is known that the general public does not brush using the correct technique and for less than the recommended time. Using power toothbrushes have shown that they remove significantly more plaque than manual toothbrushes. It also reduces brushing force, stain, and gingival inflammation. It also stated that people tend to brush longer with power than with manual. I found that to be very interesting.
 * Priscilla Garcia:**

Jahn, Carol. (2005). Is flossing dental hygiene’s sacred cow. Dental Assisting Digest. Retrieved May 24, 2009, from http://www.dentaleconomics.com/display

Sharma, N. (2001) A comparison of a battery-operated power toothbrush and a manual toothbrush with respect to safety and plaque control. American Journal of Dentistry (14) 98-128.

As oral educators, it is essential that we understand the variety of toothbrushes and interproximal aids that are available in the marketplace. I think we should try a variety of products and understand the unique uses for each product. We also teach our patients the importance of brushing and using an interdental aid such as floss, tepe brush, perio-aid, floss holders or other aids. Each case is individualized to meet the needs of the patient’s dentition. If they have Class III furcations, a perio aid is an excellent option. For Class II or III embrasures and orthodontic appliances, the tepe-brush works great. The rubber tip stimulator is helpful in massaging the gums. As we learn about all the interproximal aids and toothbrushes available, we can help our pt’s make educated decisions to improving and maintaining their oral health.
 * //Natalie//**:

As Dental Hygiene professionals soon to be, we need to know what type of dental cleaning aids work better. The studies that have been done until today reflect that power toothbrushes reduces dental biofilm and gingivitis better than the manual tooth brush. Power toothbrushes move at a speed and motions that cannot be perform with a regular toothbrush. Power tooth brushes are useful for patients undergoing ortho treatment, patients with complex dental work, implants, pts with limited dexterity, care givers. When brushing with a power toothbrush less pressure is also use. For furcation areas, the best cleaning aid is the perio aid which is a tooth pick that reaches areas a regular toothbrush and power tooth brush cannot reach. Interdental brushes are used in the areas that have a big space where the brush will access without excess force. Interdental brushes are used in open embrasures, ortho appliances, fixed prosthetics, implants space maintainers, concave proximal surfaces, even exposed class IV furcations. Dental floss is used to clean in between the teeth to reduce dental biofilm and reduce bleeding. Studies have shown that dental floss is the most effective aid and until today nothing replaces floss. Tongue cleaning is great procedure that aids with the reduction of halitosis by removing dental biofilm, reducing microorganisms, and contributing to overall cleanliness. Different materials are used to make tongue cleaners such as plastic, stainless steel, or other flexible metals. The tongue cleaners are made wide and with the shape that fits the surface of the tongue for better results. Kossack, C., & Jost-Brinkmann, P. (2005). Plaque and gingivitis reduction in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances-comparison of toothbrushes and interdental cleaning aids. //Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics, 66// (1), 20-38.
 * Jackie**

Wilkins, E.(2005). Oral infection control: toothbrushes and tooth brushing. //Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist (9th ed).// Goucher, J., Dietz, K., & Define, C. (Ed). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Baltimore, MD.

We will always be looking for the best possible oral hygiene aids we can recommend to our patients. I feel as though I live to find the secret cure all to optimal at home oral hygiene. Personally, I always recommend an electric toothbrush to all of my patients and I always let them know that when they get sick, one of the best ways to fight a cold is to use a non-contaminated toothbrush. I found research on my favorite topic, electric vs. manual toothbrushes and I also found an interesting study on toothbrushes that have triclosan coated tufts to reduce bacteria. The article on the triclosan toothbrushes found that they failed to limit the bacterial contamination on the toothbrush. I think the best way to reduce bacteria is to a) see your hygienist regularly, b) change out your toothbrush every 3 months, c) get a new one when you are sick, d) brush and floss regularly. The literature review on power toothbrushes (PTB) vs. manual toothbrushes (MTB) was interesting. I thought that the PTB's would completely prove to be far more effective than the MTB's. This review looked at 106 studies. 63 of the studies found that the PTB's were more effective and 42 found that there was no difference between the two. This was much closer than I anticipated. However, it is definitely enough to encourage me to continue to recommend PTB's to my patients. References: Efstratiou, M., Papaioannou, W., Nakou, M., Ktenas, E., Vrotsos, I., Panis, V. (n.d.). Contamination of a toothbrush with antibacterial properties by oral microorganisms. Journal of Dentistry, 35(4): 331-337.
 * Efficacy of Different Toothbrushes**

Heasmand, P.A. and McCracken, G.I. (2002). Clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of powered toothbrushes. Advances in Dental Research, 16(1): 9-15.