Effect of a U-shaped toothbrush in removing plaque among pre-school children: a randomized controlled trial

Background: With the emergence of U-shaped manual toothbrushes, it has become necessary to evaluate their effectiveness in preschool children when used independently. Accordingly, this cross-over randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a manual U-shaped toothbrush for dental plaque removal among preschool children, compared with a manual traditional toothbrush, and to assess the ease of use of both toothbrushes and children’s preferences. Methods: Thirty children aged 4–5 years were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 15), in which children used a manual traditional toothbrush for 21 days followed by a manual U-shaped toothbrush for another 21 days, and Group 2 (n = 15), in which children used a manual U-shaped toothbrush for 21 days followed by a manual traditional toothbrush for 21 days. Plaque accumulation was evaluated by two blinded examiners using Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index (TMQHPI) at seven-time points; pre-brushing (T0), immediately after using the first toothbrush (T1), 7 days after using the first toothbrush (T2), 21 days after using the first toothbrush (T3), immediately after using the second toothbrush (T4), 7 days after using the second toothbrush (T5), and 21 days after using the second toothbrush (T6) to determine which toothbrush achieved better plaque removal. At T3 and T6, children were asked about the ease of use of both toothbrushes, while at T6, they were asked about their preferred toothbrush. Results: At T2, T3, T5, and T6, plaque accumulation was significantly lower with the use of the U-shaped toothbrush. Both toothbrushes were reported to be easy or moderately easy to use by the children. Most children preferred the U-shaped toothbrush. Conclusions: U-shaped toothbrushes significantly improved preschool children’s plaque control ability. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT06288581.

Dental plaque; Oral hygiene; Preschool children; Primary teeth; Toothbrushing

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