Awareness of Evidence Based Recommendations on Toothbrush Bristles Design and Texture among Dentists

Abstract

: Objective: Dental plaque is a necessary etiologic factor in the onset and progression of dental caries and periodontal disorders. Numerous individual and material-based factors have an impact on dental plaque control. In light of the most recent evidence-based guidelines, this study's purpose is to determine the best toothbrush bristles surface plane design (flat; multilevel; angled), texture (soft; medium; hard) and to estimate how many dentists are aware of that too. Materials and Methods: This is a one-question survey directed on social media platforms of dentists' groups: - “Is it preferable to use a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles, and are toothbrushes with multi-level or angled bristles better than traditional flat bristles for brushing the teeth?”. The answers or reactions were limited to the first valid 400 answers. Results: Comparing the bristles texture (soft & medium) and bristles design (straight & multilevel or angled) showed a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05). Also, there was a statistically significant difference between combining effects taking this descending order soft &multilevel, medium & straight, medium & multilevel and finally soft & straight. Conclusions: Premium toothbrushes based on scientific research with soft, multilevel, or angled bristles were used more frequently by dentists than ones with medium or straight bristles.