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Influence of a controlled pressure system on toothbrushing behavior
P A Heasman1, I Heynderickx, M de Jager
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. p.a.heasman@newcastle.ac.uk
The Journal of Clinical Dentistry
|July 31, 2001
Summary
Excessive brushing causes gum damage. An electric toothbrush
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Excessive brushing force is a primary cause of gingival abrasion.
- Over-vigorous brushing can lead to soft tissue damage and tooth wear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Philips/Jordan electric toothbrush's Controlled Pressure system (CPS) in modifying brushing behavior.
- To determine if the mechanical feedback from the CPS is sensitive enough for users to regulate their toothbrushing force (TBF).
Main Methods:
- Study I: Evaluated learning patterns in 17 subjects over two weeks, recording "clicks" from the CPS feedback.
- Study II: Assessed TBF in 46 subjects after a four-week learning period, using CPS thresholds between 150-420g.
- Measured brushing force and user adaptation to the feedback mechanism.
Main Results:
- Ten of seventeen subjects in Study I showed clear learning, reducing "clicks" significantly within two weeks.
- In Study II, the lowest mean TBF (approx. 80g) was achieved with CPS thresholds set between 210-240g.
- The CPS demonstrated a significant influence on habitual brushing force, with optimal settings identified.
Conclusions:
- The Controlled Pressure system (CPS) is a functional feature that effectively helps users control habitual brushing force.
- Users can learn to modify their brushing behavior within two weeks using the CPS feedback.
- The CPS provides valuable mechanical feedback for preventing excessive toothbrushing force and protecting gingival tissues.