Effectiveness of different tooth brushing techniques on the removal of dental plaque in 6–8 year old children of Gulbarga

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the respective effectiveness of the horizontal scrub, Fones, and modified Bass methods demonstrated on the cast to individual child within the classroom setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 healthy children studying in 1(st) and 2(nd) grades in the age range of 6-8 years were randomly selected from various schools of Gulbarga district, Karnataka, India. They were equally divided into three groups. Children in each group were demonstrated only one of the three brushing techniques, viz. horizontal scrub technique to group A, Fones technique to group B, and modified Bass technique to group C, using a cast model. All the children were re-examined and reviewed after 24 h and plaque index was re-assessed to obtain the follow-up data. The results were compared with the baseline data, and statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-test and intergroup comparison was made using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: Statistically significant (P < 0.001) reduction in plaque score was seen in modified Bass technique followed by horizontal scrub technique and the least efficacy was seen in Fones technique. CONCLUSION: This study showed that modified Bass technique was the most effective brushing technique in children.