Study on the plaque removal efficacy of single-tufted toothbrush: scoping review

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of single-tuft toothbrushes in removing dental plaque, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach using conventional toothbrushes.The study also explores the current level of awareness and usage of these brushes, and it identifies gaps in research and education regarding their application.Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and guidelines by Peters et al.Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Korean academic repositories were searched using keywords like "single-tuft toothbrush" and "end-tuft toothbrush."A total of 403 articles were initially identified, with 9 studies meeting the inclusion criteria.These studies included 8 randomized controlled trials and 1 in-vitro experiment, focusing on the effectiveness of single-tuft toothbrushes in various contexts.Results: Single-tuft toothbrushes demonstrated superior plaque removal in challenging areas, such as interproximal surfaces of molars, lingual surfaces, and around orthodontic appliances.In combination with conventional toothbrushes, they showed significantly better results compared to conventional tools alone.However, they did not consistently outperform other interdental cleaning devices like floss or interdental brushes across all metrics.User satisfaction with single-tuft toothbrushes was high, especially among orthodontic patients, although their usage rate was significantly lower due to limited awareness and accessibility.Conclusions: Single-tuft toothbrushes are highly effective as adjuncts to conventional oral hygiene tools, particularly in managing hard-to-reach areas.However, their overall efficacy in replacing other oral hygiene tools is limited.To maximize their potential, increased public awareness, improved accessibility, and targeted education programs are needed.Further research should explore their role in specific patient populations, such as those with orthodontic appliances or implant restorations.