Characteristics of toothbrushes

Abstract

A bstract — Most of the manual toothbrushes available on the Australian market during 1980–81 were purchased and examined in the light of the revised Australian Standard for Toothbrushes (AS 1032). The Standard deals only with nylon monofilament brushes and does not cover powered brushes, natural bristle brushes or the single use devices often distributed through vending machines. The problems arising from natural bristle brushes and the single use devices are discussed. The dimensional characteristics of the brushes have been determined and the various styles compared. Particular attention has been given to the classification of textural stiffness of the brushes and the extent to which claims of end rounded monofilaments are valid. Few brushes for which end‐rounding is claimed comply with the Standard requirement that at least 50 per cent of monofilaments shall be rounded.