A comparison of estimated versus actual brushing time

Patients at a dental clinic were asked to participate in a toothpaste study. Their brushing times were covertly recorded and they completed a questionnaire about brushing habits. When the actual brushing times for the 154 subjects were compared to their estimated brushing time a highly significant difference was found. Approximately 90% of the subjects stated that they had brushed the same amount as their estimate. Neither actual or estimated brushing time related to age, brushings per day, or regularity of dental care. There was a modest relationship between a subject's age and his regularity of dental care. Younger people were more regular. The only factor related to increased brushing time in this study was the overall rating of the toothpaste. Future research should look at the brushing times of people exposed to oral hygiene programs versus those with no knowledge of the process.