EFFECT OF TOOTHBRUSH GRIP STYLE AND BRUSHING METHOD ON PLAQUE REMOVALEFFICIENCY IN CHILDREN

Objectives: Plaque accumulation on tooth surfaces can lead to dental caries, gum diseases, halitosis,and calculus formation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of teaching correct toothbrushing techniques and proper toothbrush grip methods to children on their OHI-S index scores. Methods: A total of 30 patients aged 12-14 years, including 20 girls and 10 boys, were included inour study. The sample size was calculated using the G*Power 3.1.9.7 program. A survey was preparedfor the patients, asking about their sociodemographic information, the age they started brushingtheir teeth, brushing habits, frequency of dental visits, the brushing technique and toothbrush gripmethod they used before their visit. The patients were taught the correct brushing technique andproper toothbrush grip method on the same day, and they were called back for a follow-up afterone week. Data were analyzed using the one-way Wilcoxon test via SPSS software, with thesignificance level set at p<0.05. Results: The OHI-S scores obtained from the patients' previous brushing techniques and toothbrushgrip methods were compared with the OHI-S scores obtained after one week of applying the correctbrushing technique and proper toothbrush grip. It was observed that the total OHI-S scoresignificantly decreased after one week (p=0.001). Conclusion: The effect of brushing technique and method on plaque removal shows that applyingcorrect techniques and grip methods can significantly reduce plaque accumulation. Properlyimplemented techniques, in particular, effectively remove plaque from tooth surfaces and promotebetter oral health outcomes. Keywords: Dental Plaque, OHI-S Index, Brushing Technique, Toothbrush Grip Method, PediatricDentistry