Comparison of New and 3-Month-Old Tooth Brushes in the Removal of Bacterial Plaque in Ahvaz Dental School Student 1388-89

Background:

There is inconclusive evidence about the relationship between toothbrush wear and plaque removel. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of new and 3 month-old toothbrush in the removal of dental plaque.

Material and methods:

In a randomized single blind clinical trial 63 students attended from Awaz Dental School. Subjects were divided to three groups. Plaque was scored pre-brushing and post brushing new toothbrushes using the Turesky et al index. After 3 months, plaque was rescored pre-brushing and post-brushing 3-monthold brushes following 48h periods of no oral hygiene. Collected data analyzed using Paired-t-test and ANOVA.

Results:

All 60 subjects compelated this study. Both the new and 3-month-old brushes reduced plaque scores significantly than pre-brushing time. The percentage reductions in plaque scores achieved with the new brushes were not significantly different from those achieved with 3-month-old brushes from total surfaces. Compared with 3 type toothbrushes, no significant different were found for plaque score reduction with the new and 3-month-old brushes.