Dentists' and dental hygienists' attitudes toward toothbrush replacement and maintenance

The purpose of this study was to survey dental practitioners regarding their own habits and information provided to their patients on toothbrush replacement and maintenance. Questionnaires were mailed to 717 Chicago-area dentists and dental hygienists with a response rate of 47.5% (n = 341). Results indicate the practitioners recommend their patients replace their toothbrushes usually at three-month intervals when bristles are bent or splayed. This suggested time frame was similar to the interval used by dentists and dental hygienists to discard their own brushes. No particular toothbrush maintenance was routinely recommended, except rinsing the brush and allowing it to air dry. Although practitioners (71-4%) believed the brush was considered a source of microorganisms, most did not suggest soaking the brush in a sanitizing solution. It appears that practicing dentists and dental hygienists may be aware of new research on toothbrush replacement but, for reasons as yet undocumented, this information is not relayed to their patients.