Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Toothbrush Design and Developmental Characteristics Influencing Plaque Removal in 7-Year-Old Children: A Randomized
Ece Baysan Maşızade1, Ezgi Baltacı1,2, Nazlı Durmuş1
1Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Trakya University, Edirne, Türkiye.
Background:
Evidence comparing toothbrush designs and the influence of children's developmental abilities on brushing performance is limited.
Aim:
To compare the plaque-removal efficacy of three toothbrush types in 7-year-old children and to assess whether developmental characteristics affect brushing performance.
Design:
This single-blind, randomized, three-period crossover clinical trial included 60 typically developing 7-year-old children. Participants used a conventional manual, triple-headed manual, and rechargeable powered toothbrush in randomized order with washout periods. Plaque was assessed using the modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index and the Approximal Plaque Index. Developmental characteristics were evaluated using the parent-reported Five-to-Fifteen questionnaire.
Results:
Mean plaque reduction differed significantly among toothbrush types. Powered (1.833 ± 0.705) and triple-headed manual toothbrushes (1.802 ± 0.678) achieved greater plaque reduction than the conventional manual toothbrush (1.310 ± 0.563; both p < 0.001), with no difference between powered and triple-headed brushes (p = 0.963). Approximal plaque removal was highest with the powered toothbrush, reaching 75% complete removal on posterior vestibular surfaces (p ≤ 0.016). Children with gross motor difficulties showed lower reduction with the powered toothbrush than children without such difficulties (p = 0.048).
Conclusion:
Powered and triple-headed toothbrushes are more effective than conventional manual brushes in 7-year-old children, with equivalent efficacy. Exploratory analyses suggest gross motor skills may influence powered toothbrush performance, warranting confirmation in adequately powered studies.
Trial Registration:
The study was registered retrospectively with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR; ACTRN12626000023358).
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota