Oral Hygiene Practices: Toothbrushing

Question 1

What is the most important method of improving plaque control?

Answer 1

Toothbrushing (however, it’s not effective in fissures or normal interdental areas).

Question 2

What does a manual toothbrush consist of?

Answer 2

Plastic/silicone handle with a compact arrangement of medium, round ended nylon filaments as the head.

Question 2

What is important to check about a patient’s manual toothbrush?

Answer 2

Appropriate sized handle and head size for their age and dexterity.

Question 3

What are the 2 basic movements in all described techniques of toothbrushing?

Answer 3

Sweeping & penetrating

Question 4

What needs to be considered when using a toothbrush?

Answer 4

It is ineffective at properly removing plaque at the interproximal region so other dental tools should be used e.g interdental brushes (TePe).

Question 5

Which toothbrushing technique is the most commonly recognised & recommended?

Answer 5

Bass technique

No one method is superior – if plaque is being removed effectively without trauma then the technique is correct.

Question 6

Describe the bass technique.

Answer 6

look at the slides

Question 7

Is there always evidence to prove electric toothbrushes are better?

Answer 7

There is no evidence in periodontitis patients to prove so.

Question 8

How effective are electric toothbrushes in comparison to manual toothbrushes?

Answer 8

As effective as manual, if used correctly

-A study done on a specific type of electric toothbrush with an oscillating & rotating head showed that it removes 11% more plaque in short term, 21% more long term compared to manual

-reduces gingivitis 6% more in short term, 11% more long term compared to manual

Question 9

What are the advantages of using electric toothbrushes?

Answer 9

-May be preferable for people with disabilities who have compromised manual dexterity

Key advantages- timer and pressure feedback

More expensive models linked with apps to maintain compliance- positioning detection & wireless remote displays so there’s monitoring of effectiveness over time

Question 10

What are some common brushing errors?

Answer 10

-Not enough time spent
-Too infrequent
-Leaving areas untouched
-Afraid of making bleeding worse
-Inadequate pressure
-Excessive pressure - can lead to abrasion and recession
-Need new brushes every 3 months - or sooner if bristles have splayed