Research Article

Model Based vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children

Volume: 53 Number: 1 March 25, 2026

Model Based vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of powered and manual toothbrushes in plaque removal. In addition, it sought to determine which of two oral hygiene training techniques, model-based instruction or video demonstration, produced greater improvements in brushing efficiency. Materials and Methods: Forty pediatric patients aged 8–12 years were included. Twenty children received training with powered toothbrushes and twenty with manual toothbrushes. Each group was further divided into two subgroups: one received brushing instruction via video, and the other received model-based instruction. Plaque index measurements were performed using the Silness & Löe Plaque Index at baseline (day 0), day 15, and day 30. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Forty children (mean age 9.48 years) were randomized and completed the study. Statistical analysis revealed that median plaque scores in the powered toothbrush group were significantly lower than those in the manual toothbrush group. Moreover, the subgroup using powered toothbrushes combined with model-based instruction demonstrated the greatest reduction in plaque levels. Conclusions: Pediatric dentists may recommend powered toothbrushes to their patients, given their superior efficacy in plaque removal. Furthermore, model-based oral hygiene education appears more motivating and effective than video-based instruction, particularly when delivered face-to-face.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Scientific Research Projects Unit of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University

Project Number

2386

References

  1. Serrano J, Escribano M, Roldan S, Martin C, Herrera D. Efficacy of adjunctive anti-plaque chemical agents in managing gingivitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol. 2015;42:S106–S138. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12331.
  2. Gunjan Kumar M. Tooth Brush and Brushing Technique. Journal of Advances in Medicine. 2013;2(1):65–76.
  3. Westfelt E. Rationale of mechanical plaque control. J Clin Periodontol. 1996;23(3):263–267. doi:10.1111/j.1600-051x.1996.tb02086.x.
  4. Khocht A, Spindel L, Person P. A comparative clinical study of the safety and efficacy of three toothbrushes. J Periodontol. 1992;63(7):603–610. doi:10.1902/jop.1992.63.7.603.
  5. Sundell SO, Klein H. Toothbrushing behavior in children: a study of pressure and stroke frequency. Pediatr Dent. 1982;4(3):225–227.
  6. Davidovich E, Ccahuana-Vasquez RA, Timm H, Grender J, Cunningham P, Zini A. Randomised clinical study of plaque removal efficacy of a power toothbrush in a paediatric population. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2017;27(6):558–567. doi:10.1111/ipd.12298.
  7. Youcharoen K, Thomngam N, Aranya N, Wongphanthuset Y, Rungruangpattana M, Kaewsutha N. Plaque removal efficacy of triple-headed toothbrush in 4–6-year-old children: a randomized crossover study. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2021;11(5):546–552. doi:10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_93_21.
  8. Rosema N, Slot D, van Palenstein Helderman W, Wiggelinkhuizen L, Van der Weijden G. The efficacy of powered toothbrushes following a brushing exercise: a systematic review. Int J Dent Hyg. 2016;14(1):29–41. doi:10.1111/idh.12115.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Paedodontics

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 25, 2026

Submission Date

December 26, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 53 Number: 1

APA
Öztürk Erkartal, K., & Tuğutlu, E. C. (2026). Model Based vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children. European Annals of Dental Sciences, 53(1), 43-48. https://doi.org/10.52037/eads.2026.0008
AMA
1.Öztürk Erkartal K, Tuğutlu EC. Model Based vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children. EADS. 2026;53(1):43-48. doi:10.52037/eads.2026.0008
Chicago
Öztürk Erkartal, Kübra, and Esra Ceren Tuğutlu. 2026. “Model Based Vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal With Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children”. European Annals of Dental Sciences 53 (1): 43-48. https://doi.org/10.52037/eads.2026.0008.
EndNote
Öztürk Erkartal K, Tuğutlu EC (March 1, 2026) Model Based vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children. European Annals of Dental Sciences 53 1 43–48.
IEEE
[1]K. Öztürk Erkartal and E. C. Tuğutlu, “Model Based vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children”, EADS, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 43–48, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.52037/eads.2026.0008.
ISNAD
Öztürk Erkartal, Kübra - Tuğutlu, Esra Ceren. “Model Based Vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal With Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children”. European Annals of Dental Sciences 53/1 (March 1, 2026): 43-48. https://doi.org/10.52037/eads.2026.0008.
JAMA
1.Öztürk Erkartal K, Tuğutlu EC. Model Based vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children. EADS. 2026;53:43–48.
MLA
Öztürk Erkartal, Kübra, and Esra Ceren Tuğutlu. “Model Based Vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal With Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children”. European Annals of Dental Sciences, vol. 53, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 43-48, doi:10.52037/eads.2026.0008.
Vancouver
1.Kübra Öztürk Erkartal, Esra Ceren Tuğutlu. Model Based vs. Screen-Based Instruction: Improving Plaque Removal with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in Children. EADS. 2026 Mar. 1;53(1):43-8. doi:10.52037/eads.2026.0008