Tapered toothbrush filaments in relation to gingival abrasion, removal of plaque and treatment of gingivitis

Abstract

To compare a tapered filament toothbrush (TFTB) to a control toothbrush (ADA) in their potential to cause gingival abrasion and improve the gingival condition following a period of experimental gingivitis. Thirty-two subjects refrained from brushing mandibular teeth for 21 days. During a subsequent 4-week treatment phase, the left or right side of the mouth was brushed with either the TFTB or ADA as randomly allocated. Gingival abrasion, plaque and gingival bleeding were assessed. During the treatment phase gingival abrasion showed a trend to be lower with the TFTB than the ADA, which was significant at the 2-week assessment. The mean plaque scores changed from 2.98 (day 21) to 1.59 for the TFTB and from 3.00 (day 21) to 1.31 for the ADA. The mean bleeding scores changed from 1.86 (day 21) to 1.35 for the TFTB and from 1.85 (day 21) to 1.20 for the ADA. Plaque and bleeding scores were significantly lower with the ADA. Both toothbrushes improved gingival health and effectively removed plaque. Although there was a tendency towards fewer sites with gingival abrasion with the TFTB brush, it was less effective than the ADA in the removal of plaque biofilm and reduction of bleeding. Subjects considered the TFTB to be more pleasant to use.