Laboratory Investigation Comparing Plaque Removal Efficacy of Two Novel-Design Toothbrushes with Different Brushing Techniques

Comparison of the effectiveness of two manual toothbrushes: Conventional design versus double-sided toothbrush design. A pilot study

OBJECTIVES

Dental hygiene is the most effective method in the prevention of oral diseases. However, most patients do not use the recommended teeth brushing techniques and/or time brushing is insufficient. With this objective, modifications in conventional toothbrushes have been developed to deal with these findings. The aim of this study was to compare plaque removal effectiveness of a manual toothbrush with a modified head (MTMH) with a wrap-around design versus a conventional manual toothbrush.

METHODS

This pilot prospective clinical study was designed according to STROBE guidelines. The patients suspended oral hygiene habits for 24 h (baseline). Subsequently, the teeth were brushed for 60 s. Both toothbrushes followed the same study procedure, separated by 1 month. Plaque-removing effectiveness was measured before and after tooth brushing using the modified O'Leary Plaque Index (PI).

RESULTS

Seven patients were included in this pilot study. The mean age was 37.66 ± 10.68 years. PI mean differences between baseline and after brushing were 51.99% ± 16.43 for MTMH and 27.93 ± 6.85, for conventional toothbrush (p = 0.0013). After brushing, mean PI values were 18.36% ± 6.95%, and 37.61% ± 10.57% respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the effectiveness of plaque removal by using MTMH is significantly higher than the conventional manual toothbrush.

Knowledge and awareness of health professionals towards telemedicine services in Northwest, Ethiopia

Background

Understanding telemedicine technology is significantly important for the implementation of a telemedicine system in resource-limited areas. Specifically, in Ethiopia, the doctor-to-patient ratio was 0.003. This has made it difficult to access healthcare services remotely. Therefore, to maximize and facilitate telemedicine adoption, it is critical to have information about health professionals’ knowledge and awareness of telemedicine services. This study aimed to determine the Knowledge and Awareness of Health Professionals towards Telemedicine Services in Northwest, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 423 health professionals working at referral hospitals from 12 February to 20 March 2020. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. To identify associated factors, an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used.

Result

With a response rate of 411 (97.2%), approximately 56.4% of professionals had good knowledge and 57.4% had high awareness of telemedicine services. Information sharing culture [AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.89, 4.80], IT support staff [AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.29], internet as a source of information [AOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.94], awareness [AOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.40], and being male [AOR = 1.73, 95% CI:1.06], telemedicine training [AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.15, 4.72] and computer accessibility in their hospitals [AOR = 1.54,95% CI: 1.01, 2.35] were significantly associated with respondents’ awareness of telemedicine services.

Conclusion

More than half of the participants were well-versed in and aware of telemedicine applications. Information sources, having IT support staff, information sharing culture, gender, and awareness were significant for telemedicine service knowledge, and telemedicine training and computer access were significant factors for health professionals’ awareness of telemedicine services. As a result, health professionals should receive appropriate and ongoing awareness-raising training on telemedicine systems.

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.