The study on toothbrush filaments

The aim of this study is to investigate the end of filaments of the different toothbrushes in the market through the stereomicroscope and to evaluate the % of rounded-end filaments considered to be acceptable. 9 brands, total 11 type toothbrushes were tested. 2 toothbrushes of each type which is marked as rounded-end filaments were tested. The toothbrushes which are not marked as rounded-end filaments were excluded. The domestic as well as foreign toothbrushes which are familiar to consumers were tested. 2 tufts of each toothbrushes were cut and examined by stereomicroscope using $40{\times}$ magnification. The procedure was carried out with blind-technique, and the digital photographs were taken. Besides the % of rounded-end filaments, total tufts number, material of the tuft, stiffness, and other special characteristics were recorded. By the classification of Silverstone and Featherstone, rounded-end filaments were examined and counted. The results shows that there are different range of rounded-end filaments according to the toothbrush types(17.7%-91.2%). Atman toothbrush has the most rounded-end filaments(91.2%) among the observed toothbrushes, and the Advantage Plus(Ora1-B) has the next(86.75%). E-Clean #411 has the least(17.70%) and E-Clean #410 of the same brand has also low % rounded-end filaments(20.60%). While G.U.M #409(Butler) has 67.90% rounded-end filaments, G.U.M #471 of the Same brand has comparative low 41.83% rounded-end filaments. 4 types of total 11 have the rounded-end filaments over 80%, however other 4 types have under even 50%. Considering that the correct brushing habit with a toothbrush which has rounded-end filaments can protect the gingival injury and tooth abrasion, it is thought that we dentists need to give the correct information about toothbrush to the patients

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