The attitudes of New Zealand dentists and dental hygienists towards toothbrushes and toothbrushing.

The purpose of this study was to survey the attitudes of dentists and dental hygienists who practise in New Zealand, with respect to their personal habits, and the recommendations they give to their patients about toothbrush use. A questionnaire was mailed to 800 dentists and 74 dental hygienists with a response rate of 58% and 66% respectively. The results indicate that 76.6% of dentists and 89.1% of dental hygienists recommend toothbrush replacement every two to three months to their patients and generally follow this recommendation themselves. Both groups feel patients should replace their toothbrushes more often than they currently do and the majority tell their patients when to replace brushes. Dentists and dental hygienists have identified bristles that "no longer remove plaque" and "bent, splayed bristles" as the two most important indicators of when a new toothbrush is needed. Soft, compact head brushes are most often recommended by both groups. Most offices give toothbrushing instruction and distribute complimentary brushes. Dentists most often assume this task, but when a hygienist is employed, this duty is typically their responsibility. Oral B and Colgate toothbrushes are the brands most often recommended by both dentist and dental hygienists.