Research Article

Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Volume: 29 Number: 3 September 30, 2026
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Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience difficulties in maintaining adequate oral hygiene due to sensory sensitivities, impaired motor coordination, and resistance to conventional toothbrushing techniques¹. Alternative toothbrush designs may help improve plaque control and brushing efficiency in this population. Aim: To assess and compare the effectiveness of manual and triple-headed toothbrushes in children with autism spectrum disorder Materials and Methods: Forty children diagnosed with ASD were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 20 each). Group A used a triple-headed toothbrush, while Group B used a conventional single-headed manual toothbrush. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) at baseline and after two weeks of supervised toothbrushing. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests. Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant reduction in OHI-S scores after two weeks. The triple-headed toothbrush group demonstrated a greater reduction in mean OHI-S scores compared to the single-headed toothbrush group. Conclusion: Triple-headed toothbrushes may be a more effective alternative for improving oral hygiene in children with ASD, particularly where manual dexterity and brushing compliance are limited.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

THE OXFORD DENTAL COLLEGE

Project Number

TODC/IEC/017-065/2024-25

Ethical Statement

The present study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of The Oxford Dental College, Bangalore, India, prior to the commencement of the study (Approval No.:TODC/IEC/017-065/2024-25). Written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of all participating children after providing a detailed explanation of the study objectives and procedures. Assent was obtained from the children wherever applicable. Participation was entirely voluntary, and confidentiality of all patient information was strictly maintained throughout the study. Participants were assured that they could withdraw from the study at any stage without any impact on their ongoing or future treatment.

Thanks

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, The Oxford Dental College, Bangalore, for providing the necessary support and facilities to carry out this study. We are thankful to the children and their parents/caregivers for their cooperation and participation throughout the study period. The authors also acknowledge the guidance and support of the faculty members and staff who contributed to the successful completion of this research.

References

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  2. 2. Marshall J, Sheller B, Manci L. Caries-risk assessment and caries status of children with autism. Pediatr Dent 2010;32(1):69-75.
  3. 3. Loo CY, Graham RM, Hughes CV. Behaviour guidance in dental treatment of patients with autism spectrum disorder. Int J Paediatr Dent 2009;19(6):390-398.
  4. 4. Charles JM. Dental care in children with developmental disabilities: attention deficit disorder, autism, and Down syndrome. Pediatr Clin North Am 2018;65(1):75-88.
  5. 5. Greene JC, Vermillion JR. The simplified oral hygiene index. J Am Dent Assoc 1964;68:7-13.
  6. 6. Van der Weijden GA, Slot DE. Oral hygiene in the prevention of periodontal diseases: the evidence. Periodontol 2000 2011;55(1):104-123.
  7. 7. Yaacob M, Worthington HV, Deacon SA, Deery C, Walmsley AD, Robinson PG, et al. Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014;(6):CD002281.
  8. 8. Robinson PG, Deacon SA, Deery C, Heanue M, Walmsley AD, Worthington HV, et al. Manual versus powered toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(2):CD002281.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Paedodontics, Special Needs Dentistry

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

April 28, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 29, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 29 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.1939167

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA29NG96KN

Cite

RIS / Bibtex
APA
Pandit, S. A., K, K., & Subramaniam, P. (2026). Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal, 29(3), 483-486. https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.1939167
AMA
1.Pandit SA, K K, Subramaniam P. Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cumhuriyet Dent J. 2026;29(3):483-486. doi:10.7126/cumudj.1939167
Chicago
Pandit, Susaana Austine, Kiran K, and Priya Subramaniam. 2026. “Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 29 (3): 483-86. https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.1939167.
EndNote
Pandit SA, K K, Subramaniam P (September 1, 2026) Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 29 3 483–486.
IEEE
[1]S. A. Pandit, K. K, and P. Subramaniam, “Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”., Cumhuriyet Dent J, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 483–486, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.7126/cumudj.1939167.
ISNAD
Pandit, Susaana Austine - K, Kiran - Subramaniam, Priya. “Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 29/3 (September 1, 2026): 483-486. https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.1939167.
JAMA
1.Pandit SA, K K, Subramaniam P. Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cumhuriyet Dent J. 2026;29:483–486.
MLA
Pandit, Susaana Austine, et al. “Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal, vol. 29, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 483-6, doi:10.7126/cumudj.1939167.
Vancouver
1.Susaana Austine Pandit, Kiran K, Priya Subramaniam. Effectiveness of Manual and Triple-Headed Toothbrushes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cumhuriyet Dent J. 2026 Sep. 1;29(3):483-6. doi:10.7126/cumudj.1939167

Cumhuriyet Dental Journal (Cumhuriyet Dent J, CDJ) is the official publication of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry. CDJ is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancement of dentistry. The aim of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in different areas of dentistry. First issue of the Journal of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry was published in 1998. In 2010, journal's name was changed as Cumhuriyet Dental Journal. Journal’s publication language is English.


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