Innovations in dental care continue to evolve alongside technological advances and the growing awareness of the importance of oral hygiene. One emerging approach that has begun to attract attention is the brushless technique, a method of toothbrushing without using conventional bristles.
This technique employs oral cleaning devices that rely on technology or alternative designs, such as silicone brushes, special sponges, or even soft vibrating tools without bristles. The goal remains the same: to remove plaque, maintain gum health, and prevent dental diseases.
Why Switch from Conventional Bristle Brushes?
Bristle toothbrushes have been the standard for many years. However, some individuals with specific conditions—such as post-oral surgery patients, young children, or people with gum sensitivity—may feel discomfort when using conventional bristle brushes. In these cases, the brushless technique offers a potential solution.
Nevertheless, the effectiveness of brushless tools still needs to be compared with proven brush designs. Research conducted by UGM Faculty of Dentistry student, Rekrian Panji Putra P, under the supervision of drg. Ivan Arie Wahyudi, M.Kes., Ph.D. and drg. Elastria Widita, M.Sc., Ph.D., provided important insights on toothbrush bristle design and its effect on plaque reduction—particularly how flat-bristle brushes reduce plaque accumulation.
The study, conducted among students of MTs Miftahunnajah, Sleman, showed that variations in toothbrush design play a key role in achieving optimal oral hygiene results.
Comparison: Brushless vs. Multi-Level Bristle Brushes
While brushless techniques offer greater comfort and safety for certain individuals, multi-level bristle toothbrushes remain the primary choice for effectively removing plaque. Their layered design helps reach interdental areas (between teeth) that are difficult to clean with flat bristles, resulting in cleaner and more effective outcomes.
By contrast, current brushless devices are still in the development stage and are better suited as a complementary or alternative solution in specific situations.
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The brushless technique introduces an innovative approach to oral hygiene without using traditional bristles. However, the effectiveness of multi-level bristle toothbrushes has been scientifically proven to reduce dental plaque, making them the superior choice for thorough cleaning. A combination of innovation and continued research is essential to ensure the effectiveness of new techniques in daily practice.
References
Rekrian Panji Putra P, drg. Ivan Arie Wahyudi, M.Kes., Ph.D., drg. Elastria Widita, M.Sc., Ph.D., Effectiveness of Toothbrushes with Tapered Bristle Designs in Reducing Dental Plaque Accumulation (A study on students of MTs Miftahunnajah, Sleman, Yogyakarta), https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/183758
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
