Brushing force of manual and sonic toothbrushes affects dental hard tissue abrasion

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the brushing forces applied during in vivo toothbrushing with manual and sonic toothbrushes and to analyse the effect of these brushing forces on abrasion of sound and eroded enamel and dentin in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brushing forces of a manual and two sonic toothbrushes (low and high frequency mode) were measured in 27 adults before and after instruction of the respective brushing technique and statistically analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). In the in vitro experiment, sound and eroded enamel and dentin specimens (each subgroup n = 12) were brushed in an automatic brushing machine with the respective brushing forces using a fluoridated toothpaste slurry. Abrasion was determined by profilometry and statistically analysed by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Average brushing force of the manual toothbrush (1.6 ± 0.3 N) was significantly higher than for the sonic toothbrushes (0.9 ± 0.2 N), which were not significantly different from each other. Brushing force prior and after instruction of the brushing technique was not significantly different. The manual toothbrush caused highest abrasion of sound and eroded dentin, but lowest on sound enamel. No significant differences were detected on eroded enamel. CONCLUSION: Brushing forces of manual and sonic toothbrushes are different and affect their abrasive capacity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with severe tooth wear and exposed and/or eroded dentin surfaces should use sonic toothbrushes to reduce abrasion, while patients without tooth wear or with erosive lesions confining only to enamel do not benefit from sonic toothbrushes with regard to abrasion. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the brushing forces applied during in vivo toothbrushing with manual and sonic toothbrushes and to analyse the effect of these brushing forces on abrasion of sound and eroded enamel and dentin in vitro.Material and Methods: Brushing forces of a manual and two sonic toothbrushes (low and high frequency mode) were measured in 27 adults before and after instruction of the respective brushing technique and statistically analysed by repeated measures ANOVA. In the in vitro experiment, sound and eroded enamel and dentin specimens (each subgroup n=12) were brushed in an automatic brushing machine with the respective brushing forces using a fluoridated toothpaste slurry. Abrasion was determined by profilometry and statistically analysed by one-way ANOVA.Results: Average brushing force of the manual toothbrush (1.6±0.3 N) was significantly higher than for the sonic toothbrushes (0.9±0.2 N), which were not significantly different from each other. Brushing force prior and after instruction of the brushing technique was not significantly different. The manual toothbrush caused highest abrasion of sound and eroded dentin, but lowest on sound enamel. No significant differences were detected on eroded enamel.Conclusion: Brushing forces of manual and sonic toothbrushes are different and affect their abrasive capacity...

Effects of Self-Assembling Peptide P11-4, Fluorides, and Caries Infiltration on Artificial Enamel Caries Lesions in vitro

“…The machine was adjusted to a constant brushing frequency of 60 strokes/min and a constant brushing load of 1.5 N [Wiegand et al, 2013].These settings ensured the prevention of brushing abrasion in the present study and simulated a relatively realistic brushing sequence at the lower end of the range. Dentifrice slurries were prepared with deionized water in a ratio of 1: 3 (toothpaste:water) parts by weight and refreshed every 2 days .…”

Gender difference of tooth brushing motion and force on self-brushing and caregivers' brushing in dental professionals

“…However, from current results, it was suggested that more attention should be paid to the brushing force. On the other hand, Annette, et al [27] pointed out that brushing forces prior and after instructions of the brushing technique were not significantly different. Although to demonstrate and improve brushing force is certainly challenging, the system used in this study can monitor brushing force easily at clinics.…”

“…However, gender differences of brushing force has been controversially discussed. Annette, et al [27] reported gender differences of brushing force was not statistically recognized. By contrast, Ganns, et al [20] reported the only significant gender difference was in brushing force, which was slightly higher in males.…”

“…The tooth brushing forces with a manual toothbrush have been reported with wide range (1.6N-318g) in many studies [27][28][29]. However, gender differences of brushing force has been controversially discussed.…”

Relationship between toothpastes properties and patient-reported discomfort: crossover study

“…So, patients with severe tooth wear and exposed and/or eroded dentin surfaces should be more careful with their oral hygiene. Some recommendations as use of less abrasive products [60,62] and use of sonic toothbrushes (less brushing force) are important actions to reduce abrasion [63]. In these cases, the dentist should be very careful in indicating toothpastes with potentially abrasive because the patients' discomfort would likely be even greater and the effects of surface wear on their teeth would likely be more exaggerated.…”