John, Caren L.2019-12-162019-12-1619821982(OCoLC)41344346b22386920https://hdl.handle.net/2144/38918PLEASE NOTE: This work is protected by copyright. Downloading is restricted to the BU community: please click Download and log in with a valid BU account to access. If you are the author of this work and would like to make it publicly available, please contact open-help@bu.edu.Thesis (M.Sc.)--Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, 1982 (Dental Public Health).Includes bibliographical references: (leaves 37-41).This study utilized 602 participants from the VA Dental Longitudinal Study. Data was collected to determine whether a difference existed between hard and soft bristle users on the amount of plaque and calculus accumulations, and gingival inflammation present at the time of the examination. In addition, the frequency of brushing, the age of the subject, and the age of the toothbrush were variables studied to determine their effect on the three oral health variables. Information gathered from the clinical examinations and the dental health questionnaires was analyzed using the statistical techniques, Chi-Square and Students　t-test. It was found that the use of either a hard or soft bristle toothbrush did not influence the amount of plaque, calculus, or gingival inflammation present. It was also found that no difference occurred between participants who brushed once daily, and those who brushed more frequently. Although no age related differences were statistically significant, a trend evolved which indicated that as age increased, the use of a soft bristled toothbrush also increased.en-USThis work is protected by copyright. Downloading is restricted to the BU community. If you are the author of this work and would like to make it publicly available, please contact open-help@bu.edu.ToothbrushingGingivitisThesis/Dissertation