ABSTRACT
AIM: To compare the effectiveness of new and 3-month-old worn brush heads in plaque removal using a rotation-oscillation-powered toothbrush. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single examiner blinded, randomized, cross-over study was conducted in which 34 adults attended the clinic on two occasions following 48-h periods of no oral hygiene. Following plaque scoring, subjects brushed for 2 min. with either a new brush or a brush they had used for 3 months and plaque was then re-scored. Bristle wear was assessed by measuring brushing surface areas on digital images. RESULTS: The mean plaque score percentage reductions with new brush heads were not significantly different from those achieved with 3-month-old heads for total surfaces (new=38.1%; worn=37.1%; p=0.83) and approximal surfaces (new=31.3%; worn=30.8%; p=0.9). Brushing surface area increases of the 3-month-old heads ranged from 0% to 135% (mean 26.9%). Compared with new brush heads, no significant differences were found for plaque score reductions for heads with minor, moderate or marked wear. CONCLUSION: Rotation-oscillation-powered toothbrushes with 3-month-old brush heads exhibiting various degrees of wear were as effective as new brush heads in plaque removal. Bristle age and wear on a powered toothbrush may not impede the effectiveness of plaque removal.