Plaque removal by worn toothbrush

Background/aims: Assessment of the influence of toothbrush wear on plaque ( PI) and gingival (GI) indexes. Method: 20 university students were recruited. PI and GI were recorded at t he starting point (T0). Each subject received a toothbrush and toothpaste. 5 measurements of toothbrush were recorded to establish the initial size. T he subjects were instructed to brush 3x a day and to refrain from using oth er plaque removal aids. After 1 month (T1), the subjects were randomly divi ded into 2 groups: group no. 1 substituted the toothbrush at each monthly v isit: group no. 2 brushed only with the toothbrush provided at T0. Recalls were scheduled after 1 (T1), 2 (T2) and 3 months (T3). PI, GT and an index of wear (WI) were calculated using 5 measurements of the toothbrush head an d were recorded at recalls. Results: From T0 to T3, a significant increase of PI was found within both groups. Non-significant differences, but very close to the significant leve l (p= 0.063), in group no. 1 and significant differences in group no. 2 of GI were found. No significant differences of PI and GI were found between g roups. Increase of the WI was registered from T0 to T3 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Each individual is capable of maintaining low PI, even if using a toothbrush that shows evidence of wear.