MICRO AND MACROSCOPIC ANALYSES OF ORAL HYGIENE: CHARACTERIZATION OF TOOTHBRUSHES

Abstract

Objective: To analyze child toothbrushes macro and microscopically. Method: The randomized sample was composed by 20 different types of child toothbrushes obtained in retail stores in the city of João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. In the macroscopic study, it was inspected the shape, dimensions of the active part, cable´s inclination, and size and consistence of the bristles. In the microscopic study, the extremities of the toothbrushes were observed by transmitted light optical microscopic BX41 Olympus, under 40X magnification. The analyses were made by a single examiner, calibrated and blind. The chi square test (p<0.05) was applied. Results: In relation to the active part, 35% were rectangular, 35% oval and 30% had a V-like shape, mostly measuring 1.0 cm, whereas the length ranged from 2.1 to 2.9 cm. As to the cables, 60% were found to be straight. The length of the active part ranged from 2.1 to 2.9 cm. In relation to the length of the bristles, the most frequent finding (60%) was 10 mm. The toothbrushes were classified as extra-soft (55%) and soft (45%). As regards round bristles, 40% were mostly non-rounded bristles. It was observed that 40% of the toothbrushes had few flukes. There was significant statistical difference between the presence of rounding (p=0.02) and flukes (p=0.01). However, there was no significant statistical difference for rounding (p=0.88) and flukes (p=0.11) in relation to softness. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the child toothbrushes were found to be diverse as to the features analyzed; the majority of the models did not present the measures required for an ideal toothbrush; and the presence of rounding or flukes did not depend on the softness of the toothbrushes. DESCRIPTORS: Oral Hygiene. Toothbrushing. Oral health.