When it comes to power toothbrushes, it has been thought that they are generally the same and produce the same results. The most prominent difference would be in the manner of action – whether it has a rotary or vibrating mode. But now it would appear that the type ofhead of the toothbrush may make a significant difference. According to the results of a recent study which was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Dental Hygiene, the solid-head type of toothbrush would result to fewer bacteria when compared to the hollow-head toothbrush.
UTHealth School of Dentistry Clinical Trial
Led by Dr. Donna Warren Morris, a professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School Of Dentistry, a team of medical researchers carried out a clinical trial to determine the impact of the type of toothbrush on the growth of disease-causing microorganisms as it relates to dental care. For this study, which was conducted over a three-week period, participants were asked to brush their teeth twice daily with one of the three power toothbrushes randomly assigned to the group. The subjects were told to use the non-antimicrobial type and that they will continue with their flossing routine during the study.
The toothbrush heads were exposed to five categories of microorganisms, namely: anaerobes and facultative microorganisms, yeast and mold, oral streptococci and oral enterococci anaerobes, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium species. These microorganisms have been shown in earlier studies to have an association with certain medical conditions. Specific types of bacteria have been linked to diseases such as heart-related disorders, colorectal cancer, and gum diseases.
Lower Microbial Count for Solid-Head Toothbrushes
At the conclusion of the study, the research team was able to determine that microbial counts were lower in toothbrushes that had a solidhead compared to the other two toothbrushes that had hollow-head designs. These findings were present in 9 out of 10 comparisons. It was also pointed out that bacterial growth would be further limited with the use of bristles that are soft and made of nylon.
Significance of Study
While it has been shown by previous studies that toothbrushes may be exposed to microorganisms, it is only this study that demonstrates how the construction of the toothbrush may have an impact on the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. It was also shown that it is very important to disinfect the toothbrush and letting it dry between uses.
Dental Care Very Essential
As shown in the study, dental care is very essential since improper oral care may have an effect on a person’s overall health. Not only is it important to have the proper toothbrush, but this must be accompanied with the good oral practices such as flossing, rinsing, and avoiding foods that may damage the teeth. And most of all, it should be made sure that regular visits to the dentist are maintained.