Toothbrush Design and Developmental Characteristics Influencing Plaque Removal in 7-Year-Old Children: A Randomized Crossover Trial
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1111/ipd.70137
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: child development, dental plaque, motor skills, pediatric dentistry, powered toothbrush, triple-headed toothbrush
- Trakya Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
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).