Efficacy of a Novel Customized Toothbrush in Improving Oral Hygiene and Gingival Health Among Children with Special Health Care Needs - A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Oral health care as part of holistic health is usually unattended in children with special health needs. These children usually lack manual dexterity to maintain oral health care and usually have an array of dental disorders like dental caries, periodontal disease and malocclusion. A tooth brush with improved adaptation skill and complete cleaning of all surfaces which can be educated to these children will have better oral health outcomes. Aim: To find the efficacy of novel tooth brush in prevention of dental caries and gingivitis in children with special care needs. Materials & Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 30 children with special health care needs aged 6–17 years. Participants were allocated into a customized toothbrush group (n=15) and a conventional toothbrush group (n=15). Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Nyvad Index, and toothbrushing ability scores were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests. Results: The customized toothbrush group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in OHI, MGI, and Nyvad Index scores at 3 and 6 months compared with the conventional toothbrush group (p<0.001). Toothbrushing ability also improved significantly over time, indicating enhanced brushing performance and adaptation. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the novel customized toothbrush was found to be more effective than a conventional toothbrush in improving oral hygiene status, gingival health, caries activity, and toothbrushing ability among children with special health care needs.