The effects of different application techniques and orifices on the amount of dentifrice

The purpose of this study was to evaluate three different methods (ST: Standart technique; PS: Pea-size; TT: Transverse technique) for dentifrice use in children between 5 to 7 years of age, as well as to compare the amount of dentifrice dispensed by using tubes with different orifices (moon or round shaped). One hundred children who dispensed the dentifrice themselves were asked to apply the quantity of dentifrice they usually used (ST or TT) (Phase-I). In Phase-II, they were instructed to apply a pea-size amount (PS) and finally they were demonstrated to use the transverse technique (TT) in Phase-III. Statistical analysis was obtained by using Anova and t-test. As a result, most of the children (82 patient) preferred to use ST rather than TT (18 patient). A decrease in the amount was obtained with both of the shaped orifices after the instruction of PS or demonstration of TT (p< 0.05). It was observed that the amount of dentifrice dispensed decreased generally when a moon shaped orifice was used.