A mapping review protocol for toothbrush design

Background: A universal method of dental home care regimen has been toothbrushing. It aids with dental biofilm and plaque removal in an attempt to prevent chronic oral diseases. Although many comparative studies have been conducted on toothbrushes and their efficacy in plaque removal, there has been no systematic mapping review focusing on toothbrush design, ease of use and safety. This mapping review aims to map key concepts, categorise existing themes and identify gaps in existing literature for future primary or scoping studies.Methods: The protocol for this mapping review has been designed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Primary and secondary studies, guidelines, and reports about the design, ease of use and safety of toothbrushes will be considered for inclusion in this mapping review. Four databases (Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Scopus) and three sources of unpublished literature (Cochrane Library, Google, and Google Scholar) will be searched using the JBI proposed three-stage search strategy by reviewers independently. A PRISMA-ScR flowchart will be utilised to document the numbers of identified, screened, and excluded sources. Data will be extracted using a data extraction table designed by the reviewers. Extracted data will be summarised and presented in diagrammatic and tabular forms, accompanied by a narrative explanation.Conclusions: Examining the existing literature on toothbrush design is fundamental to guide future research, design innovations, and improve oral health.