A clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of a three-headed versus a conventional toothbrush for oral hygiene in children

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ABSTRACT

Aim

The study was designed to compare the efficacy of the Superbrush three-headed with a conventional brush for oral
hygiene in children.

Methods

The study population was 78 children attending three primary schools in Leeds (UK).
The clinical trial consisted of a single blind, randomized, four visits, crossover and single use toothbrush design. Subjects were
randomized to one of two test groups (A and B). The 16-week trial consisted of four visits with a washout period of four weeks between
the second and third visits. Both brushes were used with a horizontal mini-scrubbing strokes technique. Plaque scores were recorded at
each visit using the Quigley and Hein Plaque Index as modified by Turesky et al. [1970].

Results

Using a paired t-test the results
from the outcome measures of the four visits indicated that buccally the conventional brush was superior in plaque removal to the three-
headed brush, lingually there was no difference between brushes. Although over-all plaque removal was similar for both brushes,
85 of the children preferred the Superbrush.

Conclusion

Significant improvements in plaque removal in children can be
achieved following good tooth brushing instructions regardless of the design of toothbrush used.

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