@article{deinzer2023it,
  abstract = {Objective:
To assess the effect of the toothbrush handle on video-observed toothbrushing behaviour and toothbrushing effectiveness

Methods:
This is a randomized counterbalanced cross-over study. N = 50 university students brushed their teeth at two occasions, one week apart, using either a commercial ergonomically designed manual toothbrush (MT) or Brushalyze V1 (BV1), a manual toothbrush with a thick cylindrical handle without any specific ergonomic features. Brushing behaviour was video-analysed. Plaque was assessed at the second occasion immediately after brushing. Participants directly compared the two brushes regarding their handling and compared them to the brushed they used at home.

Results:
The study participants found the BV1 significantly more cumbersome than the M1 or their brush at home. (p < 0.05). However, correlation analyses revealed a strong consistency of brushing behavior with the two brushes (0.71 < r < 0.91). Means differed only slightly (all d < 0.36). These differences became statistically significant only for the brushing time at inner surfaces (d = 0.31 p = 0.03) and horizontal movements at inner surfaces (d = 0.35, p = 0.02). Plaque levels at the gingival margins did not differ while slightly more plaque persisted at the more coronal aspects of the crown after brushing with BV1 (d = 0.592; p 0.042)

Discussion:
The results of the study indicate that the brushing handle does not play a major role in brushing behavior or brushing effectiveness.},
  author = {Deinzer, Renate and Eidenhardt, Zdenka and Sohrabi, Keywan and Stenger, Manuel and Kraft, Dominik and Sick, Bernhard and Götz-Hahn, Franz and Bottenbruch, Carlotta and Berneburg, Nils and Weik, Ulrike},
  doi = {10.21203/rs.3.rs-3491691/v1},
  interhash = {c169f01a44fafb98de74a5dac12d33bc},
  intrahash = {9d681945057ec9baa33fe2ed36892470},
  journal = {Research Square},
  note = {(preprint)},
  title = {It is the habit not the handle that affects tooth brushing. Results of a randomised counterbalanced cross over study},
  url = {https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3491691/v1},
  year = 2023
}