Premium
Tapered toothbrush filaments in relation to gingival abrasion, removal of plaque and treatment of gingivitis
Author(s) -
Versteeg PA,
Piscaer M,
Rosema NAM,
Timmerman MF,
Van der Velden U,
Van der Weijden GA
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal of dental hygiene
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.674
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1601-5037
pISSN - 1601-5029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2008.00284.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gingivitis , toothbrush , dentistry , abrasion (mechanical) , gingival inflammation , brush , gingival margin , tooth brushing , bleeding on probing , periodontitis , mechanical engineering , electrical engineering , engineering
Objectives: To compare a tapered filament toothbrush (TFTB) to a control toothbrush (ADA) in their potential to cause gingival abrasion and improve the gingival condition following a period of experimental gingivitis. Methods: Thirty‐two subjects refrained from brushing mandibular teeth for 21 days. During a subsequent 4‐week treatment phase, the left or right side of the mouth was brushed with either the TFTB or ADA as randomly allocated. Gingival abrasion, plaque and gingival bleeding were assessed. Results: During the treatment phase gingival abrasion showed a trend to be lower with the TFTB than the ADA, which was significant at the 2‐week assessment. The mean plaque scores changed from 2.98 (day 21) to 1.59 for the TFTB and from 3.00 (day 21) to 1.31 for the ADA. The mean bleeding scores changed from 1.86 (day 21) to 1.35 for the TFTB and from 1.85 (day 21) to 1.20 for the ADA. Plaque and bleeding scores were significantly lower with the ADA. Conclusions: Both toothbrushes improved gingival health and effectively removed plaque. Although there was a tendency towards fewer sites with gingival abrasion with the TFTB brush, it was less effective than the ADA in the removal of plaque biofilm and reduction of bleeding. Subjects considered the TFTB to be more pleasant to use.