Properties of manual toothbrush that influence on plaque removal of interproximal surface in vitro

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Few papers were available on the interproximal cleaning efficiency by manual toothbrushes when used alone. The aim was to investigate the efficiency of commercially available toothbrushes on interproximal cleaning and determine the key properties that would make the differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Artificial-teeth were coated with manicure type experimental dental plaque covering mainly the interproximal surface and fixed in the jaw model of a dental simulator. A modified scrubbing technique was employed to brush out the plaque conducted by one trained dentist using 26 different toothbrushes from the equal number of separate interproximal conditions. The rate of the plaque removal (%) was calculated by measuring the plaque free areas on the post-brush images. RESULTS: The data analysis using mixed effect modelling showed that stiffness, number of tufts and total length have effect on the rate of the plaque removable from the interproximal surfaces. CONCLUSION: This study indicated consideration should be given to toothbrush properties to enhance plaque removal from the interproximal surfaces.