Laboratory interproximal access efficacy of four elmex caries protection toothbrushes

The purpose of this research was to evaluate five toothbrushes in a laboratory assay that determines the ability of toothbrush bristles to penetrate and remove artificial plaque from interproximal sites. Interproximal access efficacy (IAE), using the laboratory method employed, has been predictive of clinical plaque removal.

The toothbrushes tested were four elmex Caries Protection (SOFT, SOFT Short Head, MEDIUM, and MEDIUM Short Head) and the American Dental Association's (ADA) standard. Simulated anterior and posterior teeth were covered with a pressure-sensitive artificial plaque substrate. Efficacy was evaluated by using the test products to brush the simulated teeth using horizontal and vertical motions with a brushing pressure of 250 g. The maximum width of plaque removed from around the simulated teeth is defined as IAE. Twenty-four tests were conducted on each toothbrush product group. Test results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and the post hoc Tukey test.

In all assays conducted, the four elmex Caries Protection toothbrushes had a superior overall IAE (p < 0.001) compared to the ADA standard toothbrush. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall IAE means between the four elmex Caries Protection toothbrushes.

The elmex Caries Protection toothbrushes are predicted to have superior clinical plaque removal efficacy compared to the ADA standard toothbrush.