Résumé
The plaque removing efficacy of a newly designed toothbrush [Dentrust] was tested and compared with that of a conventional straight handle brush [Oral B] and a biangled handle brush [Signal]. A total of 78, grade two, intermediate school children [39 girls and 39 boys] participated in the study. The children were divided into 6 equal groups [3 for girls and 3 for boys], each group being randomly chosen from each of 3 schools for girls and 3 schools for boys. Plaque and gingivitis were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 3-week study period using the Plaque index and Gingival index of Loe and Silness. The three types of toothbrushes were assigned randomly to the 3 groups of girls and also to the 3 groups of boys. The proper technique of toothbrushing was demonstrated for the children and supervised brushing was performed to assure the correct use of toothbrush. All children were instructed to brush twice daily. At the end of the 3 weeks period, the means for percentages of reduction in gingival index scores for all groups were significantly different from "zero" at the 5% level but did not differ significantly from each other for boys while for girls both the newly designed and curved handle brushes gave significantly better means for percent reduction than the straight handle brush but did not differ significantly from each other. Similarily, the means for percent improvement in plaque index scores following the study period were all significantly different from "zero" but not among themselves. Only with the newly designed brush, girls had significantly more mean reduction than boys. So, it seems that the proper technique of toothbrushing rather than toothbrush design would count more towards better gingival health and oral hygiene