Robot and mechanical testing of a specialist manual toothbrush for cleaning efficacy and improved force control.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Toothbrushes require flexibility to access all dental surfaces and remove plaque effectively, but they should also aim to prevent or limit overbrushing and consequent damage to teeth and gums. In two studies, the physical properties and cleaning performance of specialist test toothbrushes with flexible necks were compared to a reference rigid-necked toothbrush.

Methods

In Study 1, a universal testing machine (Instron E 10,000) with a specially designed setup was used to test the deflection behaviour of toothbrush head and neck. Untufted toothbrushes were fixed in a custom holder and force was applied to the head while the deflection was measured. In Study 2, one control and five test toothbrushes were assessed using a robot system to simulate the cleaning of artif

SUBMITTER: Acherkouk A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9175444 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature