Comparison of modified Bass, Fones and normal tooth brushing technique for the efficacy of plaque control in young adults- A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: To compare the anti plaque efficacy of Modified Bass, Fones and Normal brushing techniques in young adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An investigator blinded randomized controlled trial with parallel design was adopted to compare the anti plaque efficacy of three tooth brushing techniques. The study population consisted of 120 dental students aged between 18 and 30 years. RESULTS: At the baseline, the mean plaque scores were 0.74 ± 0.39, 0.77 ± 0.34 and 0.98 ± 0.36 respectively, for Modified Bass, Fones and Normal brushing technique. After 24 hours without any oral hygiene activity, the plaque scores increased to 1.04 ± 0.30, 1.11 ± 0.32 and 1.21 ± 0.40, respectively. After 1 week of using the intervention, the mean plaque scores were 0.78 ± 0.36, 0.94 ± 0.34 and 1.03 ± 0.43, respectively and increased to 1.13 ± 0.44, 1.14 ± 0.40 and 1.08 ± 0.34 after 28 days. The mean gingival scores were 0.23 ± 0.66, 0.02 ± 0.52 and 0.42 ± 0.74 for Modified Bass, Fones and Normal Brushing technique during baseline visit and after 28 days. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant reduction in the amount of plaque with the three brushing techniques. Although the short-term outcomes with the Modified Bass method were promising, a long-term effect was not evident. Further, there was no significant difference in plaque control between the three groups. Key words:Gingival scores, plaque scores, tooth brushing techniques, young adults.