Table 1 Coding of toothbrush wear and bite marks on the toothbrushes
Coding | Degree | Toothbrush wear (Conforti et al.,2003 [14]) | Distribution of bite marks |
|---|---|---|---|
0 | No | No visible signs of wear | Absence of bite marks |
1 | Light | Inner tufts are intact; outer tufts begin to splay | Presence of blurred marks |
2 | Medium | Inner tufts begin to splay; outer tufts splayed beyond the base of the toothbrush | Localized distinct marks |
3 | Heavy | Inner and outer tufts are splayed | Generalized distinct marks |
4 | Extreme | All the tufts are splayed whereby no distinction can be made | Distinct marks distributed on the entire surface; the contour of the toothbrush head is significantly distorted |