Tooth-brushing Habits in Adults

Objectives: Since copious information about suitable tooth brushing procedures is available, and preventive programmes are well established, adequate knowledge regarding this matter could be anticipated. Basic professional recommendations are somewhat inconsistent but mostly include to brush at least twice daily for 2-3 minutes with gentle force using the Bass technique or modifications. The study aimed to evaluate, if habitual tooth brushing procedures converge to professional recommendations Methods: 103 subjects (mean age 31±6 years; 61 female, 42 male) attending a dental practice were included without prior oral hygiene information. Amongst others, inclusion criteria were informed consent and brushing by hand. A self-administered questionnaire obtained data about frequency and time of day of brushing. The own tooth brush was connected with a computer system recording a video film as well as brushing time and brushing force. Participants were asked for unobserved habitual tooth brushing. Data were analysed for brushing time and force, and technique. Results: 80% brushed twice and 9% more than twice daily, but only 9% routinely after meals. The mean brushing time was 96.6±6.2 sec, the mean total brushing force was 2.3±0.7 (max. 4.1) N, no significant differences were found for quadrants. 12.6% used 1.5 N or less and 17.5% 3 N or more. Brushing time was similar for males and females but the latter had significantly lower mean and maximum brushing force. Most subjects (80%) brushed with gyrating and 9% with scrubbing movements, and 14% with a combination of both. Bass technique was not observed and only 4 percent had a vertical brushing technique. No gender-related differences were found regarding brushing technique. Conclusion: Appropriate frequency and brushing force was observed, but efforts should be made to motivate people to increase their brushing time. Even though scrubbing was rare, none of the participants had an elaborated brushing technique.