QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF TOOTHBRUSH BRISTLE END MORPHOLOGY – A LIGHT MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS

Aim: To assess the morphology of toothbrush bristle end by using Light Microscope and to evaluate the percentage of rounded-end bristles which are considered to be acceptable as recommended by American Dental Association. Materials and Methods: Three leading toothbrushes brands available in India were included for the presentstudy. The bristles were removed and mounted on a glass slide and secured using cover slip. The end morphology of the bristles was then assessed for acceptability using Light Microscope at 45 X magnification. Results: The toothbrushes assessed showed an acceptability ranging from 87% - 93.3% in all the three brands.The mean acceptability was 90.06% in Brand A, 89.46% in Brand B, and 90.72% in Brand C. Conclusion: In the present study, acceptability of bristle end morphology as recommended by American Dental Association ranged from 87% - 93.3% in all the three brands.