Laboratory interproximal access efficacy of two toothbrushes with cross-angulated bristling

Interproximal access efficacy (IAE) has been evaluated in a laboratory method using pressure-sensitive paper placed around simulated anterior and posterior teeth, using horizontal or vertical brushing motions. The two toothbrushes evaluated in this study were the Oral-B Cross Action Medium 40 and the Dr. Best X-Activ Mittel. Twenty-four tests on each toothbrush design were conducted, and results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. In all of the individual evaluations, using either vertical or horizontal brushing motions on either anterior or posterior simulated teeth, the Dr. Best X-Activ Mittel toothbrush was significantly (p < 0.001) more effective than the Oral-B Cross Action Medium 40 in achieving IAE. When individual IAE data from the vertical, horizontal, anterior and posterior assessments were combined to assess overall IAE, the Dr. Best X-Activ Mittel toothbrush had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean value than the Oral-B Cross Action Medium 40 mean value.