Evaluation of plaque removal efficacy of two children toothbrushes: Oral-B & Chic

Toothbrushing is the most common method for removing dental plaque. The design of toothbrush influences the amount of plaque removal. The purpose of this study was to compare the two manual toothbrushes (Oral-B and chic) in their efficacy in removing plaque. This experimental study was done cross over and single blind. Forty children 8 to 10 years old were selected and told to stop all oral hygiene procedures for 24 hours. In the first visit dental plaque was evaluated by means of Shick-Ash index before and after brushing with one of the test brushes. The brushing was done 20 times in every quadrant by one of the authors by scrub method. Children were instructed to use their routine method of oral hygiene and return to the clinic one-week later. The same plaque removal procedure and plaque index assessment was applied for the other toothbrush in the second appointment. Data were analysed using Paired -T-test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in reducing PI for the two toothbrushes (chic, P=0/0005 and oral-B, P=0/0006). The results indicated no significant differences in reducing PI between the two toothbrushes (P=0/075). Both toothbrushes (Oral-B and chic) were equally effective in reducing PI. It seems that correct brushing as equally important as kind of toothbrushes.