Toothbrush filaments end-rounding: stereomicroscope analysis

Background, aims: Toothbrush filaments with rounded ends allow for efficien t removal of bacterial plaque and are less harmful to periodontal tissues t han non-rounded bristles. The aim of this research was to evaluate the % of rounded filaments considered to be of acceptable quality in different toot hbrush brands and to determine whether there is a standardization of qualit y, as manufacturers claim. Method: Brushes tested included 2 samples of medium-hard nylon or tynex too thbrushes from 31 various types found on the retail market in Italy. Tufts from the same position on the toothbrush head were removed and examined und er a stereomicroscope, utilizing methods which did not alter the physical p roperties of the filaments. In 4 of the 31 toothbrush brands tested, more t han 50% of the filaments appeared rounded, in 19 of them, between 11.9% and 40.5% and in 8 brands between 0% and 7%. Results: Differences were found in the number and disposition of filaments among different brands and even within the same toothbrush brand. Conclusion: The results appear to indicate that a large % of toothbrushes o n the retail market do not meet acceptable quality criteria.