Toothbrushing is performed with a manual toothbrush (MT) or a power toothbrush (PT) to help maintain oral health and prevent plaque-induced diseases. Researchers analyzed videos of 100 university students using their own PT or MT to identify tooth brushing behaviours that predict the level of oral cleanliness after brushing.
Forty-eight students used a PT with rotating-oscillating movements, and 52 used a MT with vertical bristles. Participants’ dental status, gingival bleeding, and plaque levels were assessed before brushing. The students then brushed with their manual or powered toothbrush to the best of their abilities. They were recorded on a tablet computer that also served as a mirror. No time limit or time display were given on the computer. The remaining plaque levels were evaluated immediately after brushing.
The study showed despite the brushers’ best efforts, high plaque levels remained after brushing, especially along the gingival margin, suggesting it was not the toothbrush but the brushing technique that hindered better outcomes.
The videos showed brushing behaviours of PT and MT users were quite similar, with both groups brushing for comparable periods of time and both brushing all outer sextants sufficiently long. However, both PT and MT users neglected inner surfaces. This highlights the use of a PT does not automatically result in better tooth brushing.
The videos also showed most brushing techniques were only moderately related to the type of toothbrush used. Often PT users applied manual toothbrush techniques that were not necessary or productive in plaque removal. Removing plaque at the gingival margin was difficult for both MT and PT users, emphasizing the importance of directing the brushers’ attention to this area. In MT users, circular movements seemed more efficient than vertical movements on outer surfaces.
Overall, the results underscore the importance of analyzing client tooth brushing behaviours to determine brushing difficulties and to provide brushing instruction specific to the type of toothbrush used.
