RT - Journal TY - JOUR A1 - Madan Kumar, P A1 - Sequeira, Peter A1 - Peter, Soben T1 - Dental Interns' Attitudes Toward Toothbrush Replacement and Maintenance YR - 2005/7/1 JF - Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry JO - J Indian Assoc Public Health Dent SP - 22 OP - 26 VO - 5 IS - 6 UL - https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2005;volume=5;issue=6;spage=22;epage=26;aulast=Madan;t=5 N2 - Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward toothbrush replacement and maintenance among interns of Dental colleges in Mangalore, India and to identify their own habits and information provided to their patients regarding toothbrush care. Materials and Methods: 167 interns participated in this study and data was collected by a pretested closed-ended questionnaire. Results: 85% of the interns recommended their patients to change their toothbrush and majority of them (66.95%) selected a 3 month interval for toothbrush replacement. Most of the interns (88%) thought that toothbrush wear affects removal of plaque. 34.10% of the respondents felt toothbrush can be best maintained by rinsing them under water and air drying in bathroom. Though 89.20% of the interns believed toothbrush harbours bacteria, only 40.90% advised their patients to soak their toothbrush in cleansing solutions. Oral B was the most popular toothbrush brand used by the interns. Many of them (65.30%) also changed their toothbrush every 3 months. There existed a highly statistically significant correlation (p < 0.0001) between the time interval which interns preferred to change their toothbrush and what they advised to patients. Conclusion: It is concluded that thorough knowledge regarding toothbrush replacement is adequate among interns. However certain confusion exists regarding toothbrush maintenance and the benefits of prebrushing mouthwash. ER -