Effects of Differences in Bristle Hardness and Vibration of an Electric Toothbrush on Plaque Removal and Toothbrushing Pressure

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of differences in the vibration of an electric toothbrush and the hardness of electric toothbrush bristles on plaque removal and toothbrushing pressure. Nine electric toothbrushes, which differed in the frequency of vibrations (1, 000cpm, 2, 000cpm, 3, 000cpm) and bristle hardness (soft, mdium, hard) were used in this study. Nine subjects participated in the experiment. Plaque scoring was carried out before and after toothbrushing, and the plaque removal rate was calculated. Toothbrushing pressure was determined. Side effects of their usage were also checked after toothbrushing. The results were as follows: 1. Statistically significant differences in plaque removal from mesial tooth surfaces were found among the frequencies of vibrations and the hardness of electric toothbrush bristle (p