Third-party toothbrushing is associated with a positive patient experience: randomized, single-blind, patient-centered analysis

BACKGROUND: As the need for care increases with higher age, so does the need for assistance with oral hygiene. A recent study analyzed the clinical effectiveness of oral hygiene assistance provided by caregivers. The current secondary analysis of this study aimed to assess pleasant and unpleasant perceptions of patients while being brushed and to investigate whether these perceptions depend on the qualification of the person brushing and the type of toothbrush used (manual vs. powered). METHODS: First, a qualitative study was conducted. This aimed at developing the questionnaire. Items were extracted on the basis of qualitative interviews with a sample of 6. A delphi process ensured the content validity of the final instrument. The main study comprised 39 periodontitis patients with reduced oral hygiene capability randomized to one of four groups: brushing carried out by trained laypeople or dental professionals, each using a manual or powered toothbrush at three different time points during anti-infective periodontal therapy. Patient perceptions of the third-party toothbrushing were assessed immediately after brushing. RESULTS: Patients reported mainly positive feelings regarding being brushed by a third person and the interaction with this person during brushing. Neither the professional background of the brushing person nor the type of brush had a significant influence on pleasant and unpleasant perceptions (all F < 3.30, all p > 0.07, all η(2) < 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Patient perceptions of third-party toothbrushing are mainly positive regarding wellbeing and interactions with the toothbrushing person, and do not depend on the qualification of the brushing person or the toothbrush used (manual versus powered). Trial registration https://www.germanctr.de, No. DRKS00018779 (04/11/2019). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02296-x.