What is the best predictor for oral cleanliness after brushing? Results from an observational cohort study

Brushing performance is an important factor for brushing success. Thus, observing brushing performance might help to explain deficits in oral hygiene. However, it is unknown how brushing behavior observed at one time relates to brushing capabilities observed at another time. The authors assessed the predictive validity of video-observed habitual brushing behavior for the capability to achieve oral cleanliness several weeks later.

Study participants (N = 101) were video-recorded while cleaning their teeth. Two independent, calibrated examiners assessed brushing duration, evenness of distribution of brushing time across areas of the mouth as one indicator of brushing systematics, and duration of specific brushing movements. Weeks later (mean: 6.4 weeks; range: 1 to 24 weeks), 70 participants were asked to remove plaque to the best of their ability, and degree of oral cleanliness was assessed immediately afterward. A forward regression analysis was performed to assess the predictive values of brushing parameters.

Regression analysis revealed that evenness of distribution of brushing time and duration of circling movements explained 20.8% of variance of oral cleanliness (P < 0.001).

Evenness of distribution of brushing time and duration of circling movements are aspects of observed habitual brushing behavior that predict brushing capabilities in terms of oral cleanliness.