Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of three toothbrush designs on Bass plaque control technique

Mechanical plaque control is the main method for prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease. Among mechanical methods, daily brushing is the basic method to achieve oral and dental health. Toothbrush design and shape are important for brushing efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three toothbrush designs, i.e. Classic, Cross-action and Pulsar, in Bass plaque control method.

In this clinical trial, 30 volunteers were enrolled and prophylactic procedures were carried out for all of them. Bass method of toothbrushing was explained to them. Then each subject randomly received one of the three toothbrush designs to brush with for 7 days. The volunteers were asked not to brush for 24 hours before recall. The plaque index was recorded for all the subjects by O’Leary plaque index on recall visit. Then the volunteers brushed under the control of the investigator using the Bass technique, and the plaque index was measured again by the same procedure. This process was repeated for the two other toothbrushes. Data was analyzed by sample t-test and repeated measure ANOVA (α = 0.05).

In this study the plaque removal level was 21.5% for Classic, 26.77% for Cross-action and 24.03% for Pulsar designs. All the three toothbrushes decreased plaque significantly (p value < 0.05), with no significant differences (p value > 0.05).

Classic, Cross-action and Pulsar toothbrushes are effective in Bass method of plaque control, with no significant differences.