A Study of Interdental Brushes 2. Effect of Bristle Diameter on Plaque Removal

Our previous report revealed that when the ability to remove interdental plaque and reduce probing depth was compared among interproximal brushes with different bristle lengths (3.0mm, 5.0mm and 7.0 mm), interproximal brushes with a 3.0mm bristle length showed high effectiveness. In the present study, the ability to remove interdental plaque and reduce probing depth was compared among brushes with differnt bristle diameters. Three types of interproximal brush, each with a different bristle diameter (2.5 mil, 3.0 mil or 4.0 mil), were prepared. Twelve patients with adult periodontitis were instructed on how to correctly a use a toothbrush. At the time when the level of O' Leary's Plaque Control Record reached about 50%, they were divided into 3 groups and the patients in each group were instructed on how to use one type of interproximal brush for 3 weeks. At the time of instruction on the interproximal brush, and then 3 weeks later, probing depth and plaque score were measured. The interproximal brushes showed high ability to remove interdental plaque and to reduce probing depth in all cases, but significant differences were not found among the 3 different types of interproximal brush.