Influence of instruction in toothbrushing on brushing force, the number of brushing strokes, and plaque removal effect

Abstract

In an oral health instruction program it is very important to elevate the plaque removal effect by adequate guidance of toothbrushing. The toothbrushing of an individual is accompanied by manners and customs which are reflected in the brushing force, and the number of brushing strokes is related with the plaque removal effect. Guidance in toothbrushing is reasonably expected in order to improve the plaque removing effect.Thirteen women 18-20 years of age who had never been instructed as to adequate toothbrushing were trained with the rolling method. Day to day observations were made of the influences of the brushing force, the number of brushing strokes, and the plaque removal effect in these women with the following results:After instruc tion brushing force was increased, while the number of brushing strokes showed a sudden temporary increase and more decrease than the pre-instruction stage, followed by a gradual increase.Immediately after instruction, individual differences among the trainees in the brushing force and the number of brushing strokes were slight, because of little familiarity with the training.This indicated that instruction in a certain brushing method might level off individual technical differences. Several days after instruction individual differences grew larger. This resulted from individuals' degree of adaptation to guidance leading to the establishment of their own habits.The above changes observed in the brushing force and the number of brushing strokes after instruction tended to be similar in all sites of brushing. In other words, the merit of instruction was reflected in all sites with a resultant increase of plaque removel effect.Throughout the pre- and post-instruction period it was found that the examinees with a 100% plaque removal effect had an inverse proportional relationship between brushing force and the number of brushing strokes, that the labial surfaces of the upper and lower frontal teeth showed high plaque removal effect, and that the lingual surfaces of the right upper and lower molars showed low effect. This finding indicated that the fundamental principles of toothbrushing could not be changed so long as a manual toothbrush was employed. In carrying out a toothbrushing training program it is important to take into consideration individual trainees' manners and habits in brushing.