Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the average recommended duration for brushing teeth?
What is the average recommended duration for brushing teeth?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the Bass method of tooth brushing?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the Bass method of tooth brushing?
What is a limitation of the Bass and Modified Bass methods?
What is a limitation of the Bass and Modified Bass methods?
What is the primary purpose of the Stillman method of tooth brushing?
What is the primary purpose of the Stillman method of tooth brushing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which brushing technique is suited for abutment teeth of fixed partial dentures?
Which brushing technique is suited for abutment teeth of fixed partial dentures?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary limitation of the Modified Stillman Method of brushing?
What is a primary limitation of the Modified Stillman Method of brushing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of improper toothbrush use?
Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of improper toothbrush use?
Signup and view all the answers
Which brushing technique is most suitable for children based on the information provided?
Which brushing technique is most suitable for children based on the information provided?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended angle for directing filaments in the Charter Method?
What is the recommended angle for directing filaments in the Charter Method?
Signup and view all the answers
What angle should be used when positioning the brush in the Stillman method?
What angle should be used when positioning the brush in the Stillman method?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following does the Rolling Stroke Method not effectively address?
Which of the following does the Rolling Stroke Method not effectively address?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the consensus on tooth brushing duration beyond two minutes?
What is the consensus on tooth brushing duration beyond two minutes?
Signup and view all the answers
What adverse effect can occur with improper use of the Rolling Stroke Method?
What adverse effect can occur with improper use of the Rolling Stroke Method?
Signup and view all the answers
Which technique is designed specifically to clean under dental appliances like bridges?
Which technique is designed specifically to clean under dental appliances like bridges?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common misconception regarding the effectiveness of quick sweeping strokes?
What is a common misconception regarding the effectiveness of quick sweeping strokes?
Signup and view all the answers
What action should be performed while using the Charter Method?
What action should be performed while using the Charter Method?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary benefit of using power toothbrushes over manual brushes?
What is a primary benefit of using power toothbrushes over manual brushes?
Signup and view all the answers
Who might benefit from using a power toothbrush?
Who might benefit from using a power toothbrush?
Signup and view all the answers
Which technique is recommended for using a power toothbrush effectively?
Which technique is recommended for using a power toothbrush effectively?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one purpose of tongue cleaning?
What is one purpose of tongue cleaning?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be used to clean areas with acute oral inflammatory lesions?
What should be used to clean areas with acute oral inflammatory lesions?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about the use of power toothbrushes is incorrect?
Which of the following statements about the use of power toothbrushes is incorrect?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement regarding supplemental brushing methods is true?
Which statement regarding supplemental brushing methods is true?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a recommended practice when using a power toothbrush?
What is a recommended practice when using a power toothbrush?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following was a significant development in toothbrush history that occurred in 1938?
Which of the following was a significant development in toothbrush history that occurred in 1938?
Signup and view all the answers
The earliest known toothbrushes consisted of horsehair bristles.
The earliest known toothbrushes consisted of horsehair bristles.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary modality of action associated with power toothbrushes?
What is the primary modality of action associated with power toothbrushes?
Signup and view all the answers
The __________ is considered beneficial for reducing dental biofilm and improving oral hygiene.
The __________ is considered beneficial for reducing dental biofilm and improving oral hygiene.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a functional property of brushes mentioned?
Which of the following is NOT a functional property of brushes mentioned?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the toothbrush type with its characteristic:
Match the toothbrush type with its characteristic:
Signup and view all the answers
The ADA recommends using hard bristles for effective brushing.
The ADA recommends using hard bristles for effective brushing.
Signup and view all the answers
Which option is a limitation of manual toothbrushing methods?
Which option is a limitation of manual toothbrushing methods?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the three main parts of a toothbrush?
What are the three main parts of a toothbrush?
Signup and view all the answers
Selecting a power toothbrush is solely based on the cost of the device.
Selecting a power toothbrush is solely based on the cost of the device.
Signup and view all the answers
Patients are recommended to brush a minimum of _____ times a day.
Patients are recommended to brush a minimum of _____ times a day.
Signup and view all the answers
Name one adverse effect that can occur from improper toothbrushing.
Name one adverse effect that can occur from improper toothbrushing.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following toothbrush bristle types with their recommended usage:
Match the following toothbrush bristle types with their recommended usage:
Signup and view all the answers
What is an important factor to consider when selecting a toothbrush?
What is an important factor to consider when selecting a toothbrush?
Signup and view all the answers
Brushing sequence does not affect the effectiveness of plaque removal.
Brushing sequence does not affect the effectiveness of plaque removal.
Signup and view all the answers
The recommended brushing plane options include flat, rippled, _____.
The recommended brushing plane options include flat, rippled, _____.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended average duration for brushing teeth?
What is the recommended average duration for brushing teeth?
Signup and view all the answers
The Bass method is only recommended for patients with advanced gum disease.
The Bass method is only recommended for patients with advanced gum disease.
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the primary purposes of the Stillman method of brushing?
What is one of the primary purposes of the Stillman method of brushing?
Signup and view all the answers
The Bass and Modified Bass methods remove biofilm from adjacent to and directly beneath the _______.
The Bass and Modified Bass methods remove biofilm from adjacent to and directly beneath the _______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following brushing methods with their primary purpose.
Match the following brushing methods with their primary purpose.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a limitation of the Bass method of tooth brushing?
What is a limitation of the Bass method of tooth brushing?
Signup and view all the answers
Using a timer during tooth brushing can help ensure that the average duration is met.
Using a timer during tooth brushing can help ensure that the average duration is met.
Signup and view all the answers
What kind of instruction aids are beneficial for teaching tooth brushing techniques?
What kind of instruction aids are beneficial for teaching tooth brushing techniques?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is true about the Rolling Stroke Method?
Which of the following statements is true about the Rolling Stroke Method?
Signup and view all the answers
The Charter Method is designed to specifically address cleaning under orthodontic appliances.
The Charter Method is designed to specifically address cleaning under orthodontic appliances.
Signup and view all the answers
What is one limitation of the Modified Stillman Method of brushing?
What is one limitation of the Modified Stillman Method of brushing?
Signup and view all the answers
The brush should be directed at a _____ degree angle in the Charter Method.
The brush should be directed at a _____ degree angle in the Charter Method.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following brushing techniques with their main purpose:
Match the following brushing techniques with their main purpose:
Signup and view all the answers
What is a recommended action when employing the Charter Method?
What is a recommended action when employing the Charter Method?
Signup and view all the answers
Quick sweeping strokes of the toothbrush are effective at removing biofilm from the cervical third of the teeth.
Quick sweeping strokes of the toothbrush are effective at removing biofilm from the cervical third of the teeth.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential risk associated with placing the brush too high while using the Rolling Stroke Method?
What is a potential risk associated with placing the brush too high while using the Rolling Stroke Method?
Signup and view all the answers
What angle should a toothbrush be placed at when using the Fones Method?
What angle should a toothbrush be placed at when using the Fones Method?
Signup and view all the answers
The Horizontal (or Scrub) Method is recommended for effective plaque removal.
The Horizontal (or Scrub) Method is recommended for effective plaque removal.
Signup and view all the answers
Which brushing method may work well for small children?
Which brushing method may work well for small children?
Signup and view all the answers
The ________ toothbrush facilitates mechanical removal of biofilm.
The ________ toothbrush facilitates mechanical removal of biofilm.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following brushing methods with their characteristics:
Match the following brushing methods with their characteristics:
Signup and view all the answers
Which method is often considered detrimental due to possible toothbrush abrasion?
Which method is often considered detrimental due to possible toothbrush abrasion?
Signup and view all the answers
Power toothbrushes are not recommended due to their high dexterity requirements.
Power toothbrushes are not recommended due to their high dexterity requirements.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a limitation of the Leonard's Method in terms of plaque removal?
What is a limitation of the Leonard's Method in terms of plaque removal?
Signup and view all the answers
What is recommended for oral care after periodontal surgery?
What is recommended for oral care after periodontal surgery?
Signup and view all the answers
It is safe to brush a gingival graft area immediately after the procedure.
It is safe to brush a gingival graft area immediately after the procedure.
Signup and view all the answers
What solution should be used for rinsing the mouth 24 hours after a dental extraction?
What solution should be used for rinsing the mouth 24 hours after a dental extraction?
Signup and view all the answers
Patients who are medically compromised should emphasize _____ hygiene.
Patients who are medically compromised should emphasize _____ hygiene.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the type of lesion to its description:
Match the type of lesion to its description:
Signup and view all the answers
How often should toothbrushes be replaced?
How often should toothbrushes be replaced?
Signup and view all the answers
Disinfecting toothbrushes by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide can reduce bacterial load.
Disinfecting toothbrushes by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide can reduce bacterial load.
Signup and view all the answers
What should be documented regarding the type of toothbrush a patient is using?
What should be documented regarding the type of toothbrush a patient is using?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Oral Infection Control: Toothbrushes and Toothbrushing
-
Learning Objectives:
- Identify characteristics of effective manual and power toothbrushes
- Differentiate between manual toothbrushing methods (limitations & benefits)
- Describe power toothbrush modes of action
- Identify the basis for power toothbrush selection
- Describe tongue cleaning and its effect on reducing dental biofilm
- Identify adverse effects of improper toothbrushing
Development of Toothbrushes
- Origins of toothbrush: Babylonia chew sticks (early 3500 BC)
- Chew sticks appeared in Chinese literature around 1600 BC
- Early toothbrushes: Chinese literature mentions horsehair bristles (around 1000 AD)
- 1728: Pierre Fauchard recommended sponges instead of horsehair
- 1780: William Addis produces toothbrush in England
- Throughout the early 19th century: toothbrushes with replaceable heads
- 1860: First toothbrush patent in the US
- 1938: Introduction of nylon bristles
- 1960: First power brush in American markets
Characteristics of an Effective Toothbrush
- Conforms to patient requirements (size, shape, texture)
- Easily & efficiently manipulated
- Readily cleaned
- Durable and inexpensive
- Functional properties: flexible, soft, strength, light handle
- End-rounded filaments
Parts of a Toothbrush
- Handle, shank & working end
- Brush head: variations in tufts and rows of bristles
- Brushing plane: flat, rippled, dome, multilevel, angled, bilevel, orthodontic
Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Bristles
- Natural Bristles: Historically made from hog/wild boar hair. No uniformity in texture; properties vary by animal, location, and season. Diameter varies by bristle portion, age and life of the animal. Often irregular, frequently open ended. Cannot be standardized. Wear rapidly and irregularly. Hollow ends allow microorganisms and debris to collect.
- Synthetic Bristles/Filaments: Synthetic, plastic materials (primarily nylon). Uniformity controlled during manufacturing. Diameter ranges from extra-soft (0.075 mm) to hard (0.3 mm). End rounded; Rinse clean, dry rapidly; Durable and maintained longer; end-rounded and closed, repel debris and water. More resistant to accumulation of microorganisms.
Toothbrush Selection
- Patient's ability: age, dexterity, gingival health, position of teeth (malocclusion)
- Compliance: Personal preference
- Bristles: hard, medium, soft, extra soft (ADA recommends soft)
- Type: Manual vs. Power
- Affordability
Guidelines for Toothbrushing Instructions
- Toothbrush grasp
- Brushing sequence
- Frequency brushing: minimum 2 x a day, emphasis on complete plaque removal
- Duration of brushing: average 60-80 seconds (no evidence of benefit beyond 2 minutes)
- Timers
- Toothbrushing force
- General toothbrush instruction
- Typodont and other education aids beneficial
- Disclosing solution, observe patient technique
Methods for Manual Toothbrushing
- Bass and Modified Bass Methods: Recommended for all patients, biofilm removal from adjacent to and directly beneath the gingival margin, cervical/proximal areas, open embrasures, exposed root surfaces, abutment teeth.
- Procedure: Position brush, light pressure strokes, reposition brush, repeat. Limitations include dexterity requirements, injury to gingival margin, and limited sulcus plaque removal (up to 0.9 mm).
-
Stillman and Modified Stillman Methods: Designed for cleaning the sulcus, cervical areas, and massaging the gingiva.
- Procedure: Place brush side on attached gingiva; plastic part of brush head level with occlusal plane; press to flex and angle filaments at a 45° angle to the long axis of the tooth; rotary motion to the count of 10; roll brush over tooth.
- Limitations: Tissue laceration, dexterity requirements, potential for teeth being rolled over too quickly.
-
Rolling Stroke Method: Removes biofilm from teeth, with no emphasis on gingival margin; recommended for children.
- Procedure: Direct filaments apically; place brush side on attached gingiva; press to flex filaments; roll brush over the teeth; repeat 5 times for each group of teeth.
- Limitations: Laceration of alveolar mucosa if brush positioned too high, quick sweeping strokes may miss the cervical third.
-
Charter Method: Removes biofilm from proximal surfaces, massages marginal and interdental gingiva; adapts to cervical areas; used to clean under margins of fixed partial dentures or orthodontic appliances.
- Procedure: Apply rolling stroke for general cleaning, direct filaments at 45° angle toward occlusal/incisal plane, press filaments between teeth, move brush in rotary motion to count of 10.
- Limitations: Difficult on lingual surfaces, brush may not engage sulcus, high dexterity requirements.
- Fones Method/Circular: Alfred Fones developed this method; involves placing brush at a 90° angle to teeth and performing circular motions.
- Horizontal (or Scrub) Method: Horizontal motion with bristles at 90°; considered detrimental and may cause toothbrush abrasion.
- Leonard's (or Vertical) Method: May work for small children; involves placing brush at a 90° angle to the teeth; tooth edges are pressed gently with bristles. Minimal plaque removal of sulcus and proximally.
Power Toothbrushes
-
Facilitate mechanical biofilm removal
-
Found to be more effective than manual brushes
-
Research proves a reduction in calculus and stain removal
-
Power Toothbrush Motions: Rotational, counterrotational, oscillating, pulsating, cradle/twist, side-to-side, translating, combination, ultrasonic.
Recommendations
- Any patient may benefit (orthodontics, dental implant patients, aggressive brushers, patients with disabilities)
- For use by caregivers
Care of Toothbrushes
- Supply of brushes and frequency of replacement
- Cleaning toothbrushes (disinfection with hydrogen peroxide or Listerine)
- Brush storage
Documentation
- Documentation for initial toothbrush instruction includes: type of brush (manual/power), description of soft tissue health/plaque score/goals for improvements, description of toothbrushes and areas with patient difficulty, and tongue cleaning methods.
Factors to Teach the Patient
- Effect of dental biofilm on teeth and gingiva
- Daily removal of dental biofilm
- Type of brush ideal for the patient
- Individualized, hands-on instruction (manual/power brushing)
- Proper care and maintenance of manual/power brushes
- Indications for/use of tongue cleaner
Adverse Effects of Toothbrushing
- Soft tissue lesions (gingival abrasion)
- Hard tissue lesions (dental abrasion)
- Bacteremia (no clear association with infective endocarditis)
Supplemental Brushing Methods
- Tongue cleaning methods
- Removing debris & microorganisms associated with the tongue
- Reducing bacteria, halitosis and coating and stain from smoking/coffee.
- Using tongue cleaners and scrapers
Toothbrushing for Special Conditions
- Acute oral inflammatory/traumatic lesions: Clean unaffected areas using saline solution and/or chlorhexidine.
- Following periodontal surgery: Oral care in unaffected areas, rinsing/brushing of surgical site (24-hours), then complete oral care when recommended.
- Following dental extraction: Brush unaffected areas, saline rinse (24-hours).
- Oral self-care of neutropenic patients: Instructions from physician; resuming oral care when recommended.
Occlusal brushing
- Method of brushing
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the essential characteristics and methods of effective toothbrushes, both manual and power. This quiz will guide you through the history of toothbrushes, their modes of action, and best practices for maintaining oral hygiene. Learn to identify adverse effects of improper brushing techniques and the importance of tongue cleaning.