Evaluation of the effectiveness of three different toothbrush designs

The plaque removing efficacy of the Dentrust toothbrush with its new wrap-around head design was tested and compared with that of a conventional straight handle toothbrush [Oral-B] and a bi-angled handle toothbrush [Signal - 2]. A total of 150 first grade students [75 girls and 75 boys] with an age range of 10-12 years were randomly chosen from 6 government intermediate schools [3 for girls and 3 for boys] in Kuwait. The students were divided into 6 equal groups [3 for girls and 3 for boys] of 25 students each. Gingivitis and plaque scores were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 4 - weeks study period using the Gingival Index and the plaque Index of Leo and Silness. The 3 types of toothbrushes were assigned randomly to the 3 groups of girls and of boys. The Bass 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 their teeth for 2 minutes twice daily. At the end of the trial, all 3 types of toothbrushes led to significant reductions in gingivitis and plaque scores, both for girls and boys, however they did not differ significantly from each other. Thus, it seems that the proper technique of toothbrushing as well as the thoroughness, perseverance and manipulative skills of the brusher rather than toothbrush design would count more towards better gingival health and oral hygiene

Effect of an oral health education curriculum package on knowledge, attitudes and behavior of Kuwait adolescents

The effect of a school-based, teacher-mediated oral health education curriculum package on oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior of 11-14 years old Kuwaiti adolescents were assessed by means of a questionnaire. The curriculum package consisted of five simple lessons relating to the various aspects of dental health education. The study included 7664 students. Each student received a curriculum package and an oral hygiene kit including a toothbrush, toothpaste, disclosing tablet and cup for rinsing. Upon completion of the study significant improvements in dental health knowledge and attitude were observed among both sexes with girls showing more significant improvement than boys. However, none of the improvements in the reported oral hygiene behavior were significant at the 5% level. Several reasons for not achieving the desired behavioral changes were elicited. Recommendations to improve the effectiveness of school-based dental health education programs were given