Date of Graduation

1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

School of Dentistry

Committee Chair

Christina DeBiase

Committee Member

Robert Stuchell

Committee Member

John Thomas

Abstract

It is known that toothbrushes can harbor microorganisms. Researchers suggest replacing toothbrushes immediately following illness to reduce the possibility of microorganisms causing disease.1 The continuous use of a microbial-contaminated toothbrush may be potentially harmful to its user, especially if the user is medically compromised or immunosuppressed. Gingival irritation created during improper toothbrushing technique may result in portals of entry for bacteria to be introduced into the systemic circulation. This tissue damage is characterized by a break in the mucosal integrity permitting microbial invasion.1 Toothbrush bristle composition (i.e., texture, size, treatment, and placement) can also affect the amount of oral tissue damage, especially in patients with gingivitis (i.e., firmer bristle texture is more likely to cause trauma to the oral tissues). Also, it is recommended by dental professionals that toothbrushes be replaced every two to three months due to their impaired ability to remove plaque once they become frayed or worn.

There is a lack of research and/or information available which relates microbial retention and viability to different toothbrush bristle tuft configurations. Professionals and their patients should be educated about toothbrush types and their potentially harmful 2 effects if a difference in microbial retention exists among different toothbrush bristle tuft configurations. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of toothbrush bristle tuft configuration on microbial retention and viability over a period of time.

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