Duration and pattern of toothbrushing in children using a gel or paste dentifrice

This study investigated the brushing times and patterns of two groups of children who used either a translucent gel dentifrice or a conventional paste dentifrice during a one month period. The children brushed without supervision and were examined without their knowledge. Examinations after the initial use and after a month of use of the two dentifrices showed no significant differences in toothbrushing times or patterns. Also, there were no significant deviations from the baseline scores. The study further demonstrated that uninstructed children in this age category brushed their teeth for approximately one minute per brushing, but failed to brush 38% of the tooth surfaces. The lingual surfaces were the areas most often missed, whereas the buccal, labial, and mandibular occlusal surfaces were the areas brushed most thoroughly.