Brush Head Research Paper

Conventional All conventional toothbrush head designs are effective in cleaning every tooth surface.

Diamond shape The tips of these toothbrush heads are narrower than those of the conventional ones. These tips are designed for easy access to posterior teeth.

A toothbrush with any kind of brush head cleans teeth effectively. However, the size of the brush head should be considered according to the size of the oral cavity.

2-0years Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 10-cent coin (~15mm)

6-2years Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 20-cent coin (~19mm)

12-6years Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 50-cent coin (~22mm)

12years

86 However, the manner in which a brush is used and the abrasiveness of the dentifrice affect the action and abrasion to a greater degree than the bristle hardness itself. 1,109 Bristle hardness does not significantly affect wear on enamel surfaces.

Overzealous brushing can lead to gingival recession;bacteremia, especially in patients with pronounced gingivitis wedge-shaped defects in the cervical area of root surfaces; and painful ulceration of the gingiva. This type of brushing should be identified and discouraged .To maintain cleaning effectiveness, toothbrushes must be replaced periodically. Wear patterns differ widely among individuals, but with conscientious, regular use most brushes show signs of wear within a few months. If all the bristles are flattened after 1 week, brushing is probably quite vigorous; if the bristles are still straight after months, either the brushing is done very gently or the brush has not been used every day. The amount of force used to brush does not appear to be critical in plaque removal. Nor does the amount of visible bristle wear appear to affect plaque removal function for up to 9 weeks .36 Unfortunately, people tend to use toothbrushes as long as possible, often long after the bristles are