It is the habit not the handle that affects tooth brushing - a randomised counterbalanced cross over study with young and healthy adults

BMC Oral Health. 2024 Jul 2;24(1):757. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04538-6.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of the toothbrush handle on video-observed toothbrushing behaviour and toothbrushing effectiveness.

Methods: This is a randomized counterbalanced cross-over study. N = 50 university students and employees brushed their teeth at two occasions, one week apart, using either a commercial ergonomically designed manual toothbrush (MT) or Brushalyze V1 (BV1), a manual toothbrush with a thick cylindrical handle without any specific ergonomic features. Brushing behaviour was video-analysed. Plaque was assessed at the second occasion immediately after brushing. Participants also rated their self-perceived oral cleanliness and directly compared the two brushes regarding their handling and compared them to the brushed they used at home.

Results: The study participants found the BV1 significantly more cumbersome than the M1 or their brush at home. (p < 0.05). However, correlation analyses revealed a strong consistency of brushing behavior with the two brushes (0.71 < r < 0.91). Means differed only slightly (all d < 0.36). These differences became statistically significant only for the brushing time at inner surfaces (d = 0.31 p = 0.03) and horizontal movements at inner surfaces (d = 0.35, p = 0.02). Plaque levels at the gingival margins did not differ while slightly more plaque persisted at the more coronal aspects of the crown after brushing with BV1 (d = 0.592; p 0.042).

Discussion: The results of the study indicate that the brushing handle does not play a major role in brushing behavior or brushing effectiveness.

Keywords: Dental plaque; Ergonomics; Manual toothbrush; Oral hygiene; Plaque removal; Self-assessment; Toothbrush handle; Toothbrushing; Toothbrushing performance.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Over Studies*
  • Dental Devices, Home Care
  • Dental Plaque
  • Dental Plaque Index
  • Equipment Design
  • Ergonomics
  • Female
  • Habits
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oral Hygiene
  • Time Factors
  • Toothbrushing* / instrumentation
  • Video Recording
  • Young Adult