Influence of three types of toothbrushes on enamel decalcification in orthodontic patients：a comparative study

Huang Xue-hua; He Ke

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2015.12.006

Abstract：BACKGROUND:A number of studies have been conducted on the prevention of enamel demineralization in orthodontic treatment, but no work has been carried out on the comparative studies addressing manual toothbrush, orthodontic fur V brush and interdental brush. OBJECTIVE:To compare the efficacy of manual toothbrush, orthodontic fur V brush and interdental brush on enamel decalcification during orthodontic treatment. METHODS:Adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years old, were randomly and averagely divided into three groups: manual toothbrush, orthodontic fur V brush, and interdental brush groups. Enamel decalcification index and augmenter of enamel decalcification index were examined and calculated by the same orthodontist before treatment and 1 year later. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no statistical difference in the enamel decalcification index among the three groups at the beginning (P > 0.05). After 1 year of treatment, the enamel decalcification index of each group was higher than that at the beginning (P < 0.05); the enamel decalcification index and augmenter of enamel decalcification index in the three groups were ranked as folows: orthodontic Fur V toothbrush group < manual toothbrush < interdental toothbrush group , and there was a statistical significant difference among the three groups (P < 0.05). Orthodontic fur V brush is proved to have advantages over manual toothbrush and interdental brush in the respect of controling enamel decalcification, and interdental brush has no good effect on preventing enamel demineralization while it is used alone.