Toothbrush bristle wear and adherence of Streptococcus mutans.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was conducted to determine if bristle wear impacts the adherence of Streptococcus mutans on toothbrushes and to evaluate whether it affects the extent of adherence at 0, 8, and 24 hours after air-drying.

Methods: Sixty toothbrushes--composed of 20 each from 3 different groups and defined by brand, brush trim, and head shape--were used in this study. Bristle wear on half of the toothbrushes was achieved using an orthodontic typodont with metal bonds and brackets and evaluated by 4 independent observers.

Comparison of powered and manual toothbrushes for plaque removal by 4- to 5-year-old children.

Purpose: This study compared the small head Oralgiene 60 Second Time Machine powered toothbrush, used for 60 seconds, with the Braun Oral-B Mickey Mouse powered toothbrush and a manual toothbrush (Oral-B Rugrats 20), each used for 2 minutes, for efficacy in plaque removal and reduction of gingival inflammation in young children.

Methods: Fifty-eight children, ages 4 to 5 years old, were randomly assigned to one of the 3 toothbrush groups. At visit 1, plaque and gingival indices were recorded for all subjects.

Clinical effects of nitrous oxide conscious sedation in children.

Purpose: This study examined the clinical effects of nitrous oxide conscious sedation on children.

Methods: Fifty-nine healthy children (ages 4 to 13, mean age=7.7 yrs.