Author(s): Masahiro Yoneda, Ayako Ishii, Tadayuki Matsuo, Sami Omagari, Nao Suzuki, Takashi Tsuzuki, Yusuke Taniguchi, Hiromitsu Morita, Chihiro Koga, Yutaka Takahashi, and Takao Hirofuji
Toothbrushes after use are contaminated by many microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses. We are thinking of making an anti-bacterial toothbrush by including ceramics in the bristle. But if the ceramic-containing bristles are too hard for the tooth and gingiva, it cannot be used as a toothbrush. So, before examining the antibacterial properties, we evaluated the feeling by asking students of dental hygiene. In our preliminary experiment, we determined the most appropriate width and length of ceramic-containing bristles. The students used this toothbrush and answered the questions. Almost all the students were satisfied with the new toothbrush with ceramic-containing bristles. Moreover, the new toothbrush was found to be comparable with the world-wide sold toothbrush. We obtained data that the ceramic-containing bristles were acceptable. Further study to investigate the anti-bacterial properties and effective cleanliness are in progress.
