Comparison and assessment of the oral hygiene status and user satisfaction of a novel toothbrush and a regular commercial toothbrush: A questionnaire study

Background: Periodontal disease is the most prevalent diseases of the oral cavity. Etiology of periodontal diseases has been related to the dental plaque biofilm. Therefore, regular removal of dental plaque and prevention of its formation is essential to maintain optimum oral health. Plaque control measures have been broadly classified into - mechanical and chemical plaque control. Mechanical plaque control is a simple and effective tool for oral prophylaxis. Particularly, the daily use of a manual toothbrush with a toothpaste prevents oral diseases. A variety of toothbrush designs and configurations have been manufactured and evaluated for their efficacyAims: To design an ergonomic novel toothbrush and compare its efficacy of oral hygiene with a standard commercial toothbrush and to assess and compare the satisfaction and comfort of the toothbrushes among the study subjects, through a self-constructed questionnaire.Settings and Design: Questionnaire study.Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects, 18-25 years of age who reported to the Department of Periodontics, KLE's V.K Institute of Dental Sciences were selected, as per inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. The toothbrushes were provided and were asked to use each toothbrush for 15 days. At the end of the study, subjects were asked to fill a self-constructed questionnaire consisting of 8 closed-ended questions pertaining to the comfort, grip, head design, bristle design, accessibility and cleaning efficiency of the toothbrushes.Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test.Results: Questionnaire revealed 92% favoured for neck design and flexibility, 77.18% better accessibility to posterior teeth, 70.18% bristle design, 75.44% improved removal lodged food and 71.93% preferred TB2 over TB1 for overall comfort and brushing experience.Conclusion: The responses of the questionnaire revealed better satisfaction, comfort and oral hygiene with novel toothbrush compared to the standard commercial toothbrush.