Clinical effectiveness of toothbrushes and toothbrushing methods of plaque removal on partially erupted occlusal surfaces.

Purpose: The aim of this crossover study was to compare the efficacy of conventional and end-tufted toothbrushes and two methods of plaque removal on partially erupted occlusal surfaces in schoolchildren.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-seven subjects, aged 5-7 years, with at least one partially erupted lower permanent first molar, were randomly divided into three groups. Occlusal plaque (baseline) was scored using a disclosing solution applied to the occlusal surface of an erupting molar.