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The curved-bristle toothbrush: an aid for the handicapped population
1Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
Abstract:
This study was undertaken to assess the comparative effectiveness of two toothbrushes in the removal of plaque in an institutionalized, handicapped population. The two methods were: a conventional toothbrush using the Modified Stillman Method; and a curved-bristle toothbrush using the scrubbing technique recommended by the manufacturer. Subjects selected were profoundly retarded individuals, incapable of self-brushing skills. According to random selection, subjects' teeth were brushed by trained personnel with either the curved bristle or the conventional toothbrush. Results demonstrated that the curved-bristle toothbrush was as effective as the conventional toothbrush when used by trained personnel.