EFFECT OF TOOTHBRUSH GRIP STYLE AND BRUSHING METHOD ON PLAQUE REMOVALEFFICIENCY IN CHILDREN

Objectives: Plaque accumulation on tooth surfaces can lead to dental caries, gum diseases, halitosis,

and calculus formation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of teaching correct tooth

brushing techniques and proper toothbrush grip methods to children on their OHI-S index scores.

Methods: A total of 30 patients aged 12-14 years, including 20 girls and 10 boys, were included in

our study. The sample size was calculated using the G*Power 3.1.9.7 program. A survey was prepared

for the patients, asking about their sociodemographic information, the age they started brushing

their teeth, brushing habits, frequency of dental visits, the brushing technique and toothbrush grip

method they used before their visit. The patients were taught the correct brushing technique and

proper toothbrush grip method on the same day, and they were called back for a follow-up after

one week. Data were analyzed using the one-way Wilcoxon test via SPSS software, with the

significance level set at p<0.05.

Results: The OHI-S scores obtained from the patients' previous brushing techniques and toothbrush

grip methods were compared with the OHI-S scores obtained after one week of applying the correct

brushing technique and proper toothbrush grip. It was observed that the total OHI-S score

significantly decreased after one week (p=0.001).

Conclusion: The effect of brushing technique and method on plaque removal shows that applying

correct techniques and grip methods can significantly reduce plaque accumulation. Properly

implemented techniques, in particular, effectively remove plaque from tooth surfaces and promote

better oral health outcomes.

Keywords: Dental Plaque, OHI-S Index, Brushing Technique, Toothbrush Grip Method, Pediatric

Dentistry