Efficiency of chewable toothbrush in reduction of dental plaque in students

Effectiveness of chewable toothbrushes compared to manual toothbrushes in removing dental plaque - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Chewable toothbrushes (CT) are considered an effective tool for dental plaque removal; however, their effectiveness is still uncertain compared to Manual toothbrushes (MT).

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of CT compared to MT in dental plaque removal.

Methods

Studies comparing the efficiency of CT and MT in dental plaque removal measured by Turesky Modification of Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TMQHI), Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (QHI), or Silness Loe Plaque Index (SLPI) were identified in PubMed, Medline Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the CENTRAL. Results and effect sizes estimate are presented as mean difference, and subgroup analysis is presented separately for non-randomised interventional studies and randomised intervention studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (ROBINS-I and ROB2 tool).

Results

A total of 10 studies were included in the systematic review, whereas six out of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Both CT and MT were effective in plaque reduction over time when compared individually using the TMQHI and SLPI scores. The overall pooled summary showed no difference in CT and MT's dental plaque removal ability when measured using the TMQHI score. Similarly, there was no difference in CT and MT's dental plaque removal ability when measured using the SLPI score.

Conclusion

There is no significant difference in CT and MT's plaque removal ability. Therefore, CT should only be recommended for children and individuals with a disability or manual dexterity.

Objective

Chewable toothbrushes (CT) are considered an effective tool for dental plaque removal.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Iranian Nurses towards Toothbrush Maintenance and Use

Background

Since nurses are considered a role model in society, they should have sufficient knowledge, attitude, and practice in the field of oral hygiene. This study was aimed to assess the nurses' knowledge, practice, and attitude towards toothbrush maintenance and use.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 325 nurses working in hospitals affiliated to Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences were randomly recruited. Data collection tools included a demographic information form and a researcher-made questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding toothbrush maintenance and use. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H).

Results

The mean scores of nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice were 59.2 ± 16.4, 64.2 ± 20.6, and 51.4 ± 17.0 out of 100, respectively. There was no statistically significant relation between nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice and their gender, age, level of education, and work experience.

Conclusions

Nurses had moderate knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding toothbrush maintenance and use, which is not very desirable given their role model. Therefore, training courses are recommended to be held to increase the nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding toothbrush maintenance and use.

Plaque Removal Efficiency of Chewable Toothbrushes among 10-12-yearold Children: A Randomized Control Trial

Aim and Objectives

Toothbrushing is one of the most important factors in controlling plaque accumulation and dental caries. There are vast varieties of toothbrushes available in the market. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of novel chewable toothbrushes as compared to manual toothbrushes in plaque removal among 10-12-year-old children.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 healthy children aged between 10 and 12 years of age who were randomly assigned to either of the groups: Group I--Chewable Toothbrushes and Group II--Manual Toothbrushes. Following oral prophylaxis, baseline records of oral hygiene indices (Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) in indexed teeth and Turesky modification of Quigley Hein plaque index (TMQHI) were taken. Baseline Saliva samples were collected and sent for Streptococcus mutans counts. Children were then instructed to use their respective toothbrush twice daily for a week. Oral hygiene indices and S. mutans counts were repeated after 1 week.

Results

Differences in pre-brushing and post-brushing plaque scores and salivary S. mutans counts were statistically significant when compared using paired-sample t test and independent-sample t test. There was a significant reduction in salivary S. mutans counts after using both chewable and manual toothbrushes. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Chewable toothbrushes are equally effective in plaque control when compared to manual toothbrushes. These can be a reliable alternative for children who lack manual dexterity.

Development of Simulation Methods in Biomedical Sciences - From Phantoms to Virtual Patients

Simulation is an imitation of the operation of a real process or system over time that is applied for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, education, training, system evaluation, and research. Medical simulation is an artificial presentation of real clinical situations, which is applied in education. Medical simulation allows the acquisition of clinical skills without the risk of harming the patient. Medical simulations have been developed and refined over the years-simulation models, cadavers, actors and robots have found wide application in medical training. Of more sophisticated simulation technologies, Virtual and Augmented Realities are used. The presence of science in the digital world is necessary in order to market the proven knowledge acquired in an adequate manner. The traditional teaching process, despite serious and thorough research, seems non-inspirational, and it is important that educators and teachers keep up with the times and provide students with the latest teaching and work methods.