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Kruti Patel

November 25, 2015


Toothbrush Research
This research project is a great opportunity for us to learn about the different kinds of
toothbrushes by trying them out individually. As per the requirement, I started using each
toothbrush on the Wednesday evening and continued it until the following weeks Wednesday
morning. I used the disclosing solution prior to brushing at the beginning of the week on
Wednesday evening to note down the pre-brush biofilm score and compared it to the score I
would get at the end of the week on following Wednesday. Post-brush score was used as a prebrush score for the next brush. Having used different kinds of toothbrushes, I am now more
aware of the different kinds of toothbrushes available in the market and their applications.
First, I used the Colgate plus toothbrush. My first impression of the toothbrush by visual
inspection was that the bristles were thicker compared to the one I had been using for past few
years. Over the period of a week, I noted that it was discomforting at times due to the thickness
of the bristles. It was harder to clean the teeth in the posterior segments with this toothbrush. I
also felt irritation over the gingival margins. My pre-brush score was less than 10% and my postbrush score was more than 10% for this toothbrush. Mainly, the biofilm was hard to remove from
the posterior teeth with the use of this toothbrush.
Second, I used the Oral B Sensitive toothbrush. This toothbrush had combination of normal
thickness and superthin bristles. Due to the thinner bristles, I noted that it was easy to clean the
teeth at the gingival margin compared to the Colgate plug toothbrush. By the end of the week, I
also noted that gingival inflammation had significantly reduced. Additionally, this toothbrush
was easy to maneuver in the mouth and was easy to reach the posterior teeth without much
discomfort. My pre-brush score was higher than 10% and my post-brush score was less than 10%
for this toothbrush.
Third, I used the Colgate extra clean-soft toothbrush. This toothbrush had unique pattern in that
the bristles were of different lengths. With bristles of different lengths, it was very efficient in
clearing the interproximal surfaces of the anterior and posterior teeth. Additionally, this
toothbrush was just as good at cleaning the teeth surfaces adjacent to the gingival margin. I did
not note worsening of the gingival inflammation over the week, neither did I note increase in
tooth sensitivity. My pre-brush and post-brush score remained less than 10%.
Fourth, I used the Sensodyne Precision toothbrush. This toothbrush had significantly softer
bristles with rounded end compared to the previous toothbrushes. Bristles were very gentle on
the soft tissue attachments on the teeth. Again, gingival inflammation and interproximal plaque
deposits did not worsen over the week. My pre-brush score was less than 10% and my post-brush
score was less than 8%.
Fifth, I used the Oral B Cross Action toothbrush. On visual inspection, I noted that this
toothbrush had bristles angled at ~15-degrees from the head and were criss-cross in nature. Also,
the tip of the toothbrush had set of bristles that were longer in lengths compared to the others.

This toothbrush was gentle on the enamel and gums. I did not see rise of any gingival
inflammation throughout my mouth. Additionally, interproximal surfaces looked bit more
cleaner. My pre-brush score was less than 8% and my post-brush score was less than 7%.
Sixth, I used the Oral B pro health soft toothbrush. As the name implies, this toothbrush had very
soft and flexed bristles, which were gentle on the gingiva and able to clean all the surfaces of the
teeth. Reverse side of the head had texturized surface, which was effectively used to clean the
tongue and cheek following brushing. This additional benefit significantly improves oral health
in patients who are suffering from halitosis. My pre-brush score was less than 7% and my postbrush score was less than 6% following the use of this toothbrush.
Seventh, I used Oral B Professional mechanical toothbrush. I have been using this toothbrush for
past 2+ years. Bristles on this toothbrush are soft and of different lengths. The head of the
toothbrush is round in shape and much smaller in size compared to the manual toothbrushes.
Smaller head made it easier for me to maneuver the toothbrush in my mouth without any
discomfort. I was able to clean the hard to reach teeth surfaces such as lingual surfaces of
mandibular posterior teeth with ease. This toothbrush has oscillating and rotating bristles that
seemed to be removing plaque quicker than other toothbrushes. Additionally, the toothbrush has
rubbery elongated bristles that are used to reach the interproximal surfaces. Minimal to no
gingival inflammation was noted at the end of the week. My pre-brush score was less than 6%
and my post-brush score was less than 2%.
Eighth, I used the Mentadent Pro-care soft full head toothbrush. It was difficult to locate this
toothbrush in the local shopping store. This toothbrush came with bigger head compared to the
other toothbrushes and so it was difficult to use this toothbrush to clean the posterior teeth. I felt
as if I was not able to clean the lingual surfaces of maxillary and mandibular posterior dentition
effectively. Additionally, bristles felt more firmer and so I felt pain over the gingival margins
earlier in the week. My pre-brush score was less than 2% and my post-brush score was less than
6% at the end of the week.
Ninth, I used Reach toothbrush firm full head as my hard brush. This brush came with very hard
bristles that were not flexible with digital manipulation. Over the week, I noted that my gums
were becoming more sensitive and tender with the use of this toothbrush. Gingival inflammation
worsened over the week as well in addition to the plaque deposits over the interproximal
surfaces. It was progressively discomforting throughout the week. My pre-brush score was less
than 6% and my post-brush score was less than 6% as well.
As mentioned above, my original toothbrush is Oral B Professional mechanical toothbrush,
which I have been using for past 2+ years. I have been very happy with this toothbrush and have
maintained my oral health at its best.
In conclusion, I would recommend my patients to get mechanical toothbrush if finances are not
of any concern to them. In recent times, toothbrushes have taken toll on patients finances as
many different kinds of mechanical toothbrushes are available. If patient is limited by the
finances, I would highly recommend Oral B pro health soft toothbrush as it is easily available
and affordable. Additionally, it significantly helps reducing gingival inflammation to a healthy

level. Maintenance of oral health should be of utmost priority and performing basic oral care
using a toothbrush should be on top of the list.

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