Objective: To compare the effect of a single-tufted toothbrush combined or not with a conventional toothbrush to control dental biofilm in healthy orthodontic patients.
Materials and methods: Twenty orthodontic patients were randomly assigned to receive three different treatments: Group 1-conventional toothbrush; Group 2-single-tufted toothbrush and Group 3-combination of single-tufted and conventional toothbrushes. Stained plaque index (SPI), visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were recorded. The data were analysed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Wilcoxon test was used for intragroup comparison and Friedman test for the intergroup comparison (α = 5%).
Results: Intragroup analysis showed that VPI and SPI significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after 72 hour in Group 3. Anterior and posterior teeth did not show any significant statistical differences after 72 hour (P > 0.05), but VPI values in the labial surfaces were different to Group 3 (P < 0.05) in comparison with the other groups after 72 hour. Group 3 showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) for SPI in the interproximal surfaces when compared with Group 1.
Conclusion: The combination of single-tufted and conventional toothbrushes was effective for controlling dental biofilm formation in orthodontic patients.
Keywords: oral hygiene; orthodontic appliances; toothbrushing.
© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.