Evaluation of a new toothbrush concept with regard to bacterial elimination. Imprint study using scanning electron microscopy

Antimicrobial effects of mechanical debridement

Self-performed plaque removal using manual or powered toothbrushes and interdental cleaning devices is improved in subjects that have received oral hygiene instructions. Personal oral hygiene coupled with regular professional supragingival debridement may further improve the level of plaque control but still fails to achieve a completely plaque-free dentition. Both patient-performed and professional supragingival plaque removal has an effect on subgingival microbiota that is limited to the marginal 3 mm of the periodontal pocket. At sites with 4 mm or more of probing depth, only subgingival scaling leads to a significant reduction of the bacterial load. The subgingival microflora can be further reduced by pocket elimination surgery. Due to the sequence of bacterial recolonization that occurs following mechanical debridement, the level of periodontal pathogens such as B. forsythus, P. gingivalis and T. denticola may be reduced for several months. Mechanical debridement also influences the patient's immune system response, resulting in antibody titers and avidity against periodontal pathogens. As a basis for the restoration and maintenance of periodontal health, repeated subgingival debridement, as performed in supportive periodontal therapy, can reduce the number and proportions of periodontopathogenic bacteria in subgingival plaque. However, intensive subgingival scaling and root planing should be avoided in sites that probe less than 3 mm, as this is likely to traumatize the periodontium and cause attachment loss.

Temperature dependence of toothbrush bristle morphology. An ultrastructural study

In this study, it was demonstrated that the original forms of toothbrush bristle ends undergo morphological changes during the preparatory procedures required prior to their examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In particular, the distance of the specimens from the cathode of a traditional sputter-coater and the time of gold-palladium coating influence the temperature inside the vacuum compartment. Moreover, the temperature influences the original morphology of toothbrush bristles. 2 segments of each toothbrush head with nylon or ultralon bristles were cut off the brush: one was mounted vertically and one horizontally on stubs for SEM analysis. Different temperatures were measured inside the sputter-coater at the level of the bristle ends, during coating with gold-palladium alloy. The temperature at the level of the bristles that were placed horizontally was about 38 degrees C, and 59 degrees C when they were placed vertically. SEM analysis of the specimens showed that the same toothbrush has end-rounded bristles at about 59 degrees C and non-acceptable irregular bristles at about 38 degrees C. Retraction of bristles (which appeared shortened and with increased diameters) and superficial cracks were particularly present in the vertically placed ultralon bristles.