Tooth brushing habits in uninstructed adults—frequency, technique, duration and force

Abstract

Professional recommendations for individual oral hygiene mostly include tooth brushing at least twice daily for 2-3 min with gentle force using the Bass technique or modifications of it. This study evaluated whether habitual tooth brushing actually meets these standards. Uninstructed adults (n = 103; mean age 31 +/- 6 years; 61 female, 42 male) with habitual manual tooth brushing were given a self-administered questionnaire about the frequency of brushing and a computer system recorded their brushing technique, duration and force. The majority (79.6%) of participants brushed twice daily. The mean brushing duration was 96.6 +/- 36.0 s, the mean brushing force was 2.3 +/- 0.7 N (max. 4.1 N), and no significant differences were found for quadrants. Most subjects (73.8%) brushed with circling, 8.7% with horizontal/scrubbing, 13.6% with horizontal/circling and 3.9% with vertical/sweeping movements. Modified Bass technique was not observed. When appropriate brushing habits were defined as brushing at least twice daily for 120 s with a brushing force of less than 3 N and with circling or vertical sweeping movements, only 25.2% of the participants fulfilled all criteria, emphasising the ongoing need for oral hygiene education.

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

“…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. In this study, the mean brushing force of self-brushing was 1.85N in males and 1.32N in females.…”

“…Burgett, et al [29] described that subjects with wedge-shaped lesions had significantly higher mean brushing force than subjects without cervical wear (2.9 versus 2.1N). From these studies it has been recommended that tooth brushing force should not exceed 3N [20]. Akgul, et al [30] stated the prevalence of tooth brushing abrasions was seen more frequently in males than in females.…”

“…Oral hygiene education is not only the transfer of knowledge, but also must take into consideration personal habits and skills [20]. With more practical tooth brushing instructions, it is expected that caregivers who are not dental professionals can confidently perform caregivers' brushing, and the oral environment of persons who need care will be improved.…”

“…Evidence-based oral hygiene education seems to be a feasible way to increase the motivation for daily oral care tasks among caregivers, and thus improve the oral hygiene status among the caretakers [18,19]. In addition, oral hygiene education is not only the transfer of knowledge, but also must take into consideration personal habits and skills [20]. However, reports on caregivers' brushing motion have been limited so far.…”

Prevalence of Gingival Recession among the Different Races of Patients Reporting to Penang International Dental College

“…Various surgical and non surgical options are available for the same. The dentists should also discuss and explain to the patients about the proper brushing techniques, as this will go a long way in preventing recession [8].…”