Clinical analysis of the cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years after a single brushing

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years after a single tooth brushing. A parallel, randomized, open clinical trial was conducted aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years. The study involved 180 children of both sexes aged 6-15 years, who were divided into 3 age categories: 6-8 years (n=60), 9-11 years (n=60) and 12-15 years (n=60). In each age category, 3 groups of 20 people were randomly formed who received toothbrushes of different types: groups I, IV and VII - a manual brush with a multi-level brush field, groups II, V and VIII - a manual brush with an even brush field, groups III, VI, IX - an electric brush with the technology of reciprocating and pulsating movements. After the dental examination, the children were taught the standard method of brushing their teeth. The cleaning efficiency of toothbrushes was evaluated using the hygiene index PI (S. Turesky, 1970) before and after a single tooth brushing. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare the indicators of one group in dynamics, and the Mann-Whitney test was used to identify differences between groups. A comparative analysis showed that the efficiency of the electric brush in all age groups was significantly higher compared to manual brushes having an even brush field, and in children 12-15 years old it was higher compared to both manual brushes. In the age groups of 6-8 years and 9-11 years, a manual brush with a multi-level brush field, intersecting tufts of bristles and a power projection showed high cleaning efficiency, which did not significantly differ from the indicators of plaque reduction after using an electric brush (Mann-Whitney criterion, p>0.05). An electric toothbrush is the most effective means of oral hygiene in children. In children aged 6-8 years, a high cleansing effect was achieved with a manual brush having a multi-level brush field. In the hygienic education of children of this age, it is necessary to pay more attention to the formation of the correct technique of brushing teeth with the help of manual brushes corresponding to age characteristics.