Research Article

Comparison of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Nursing and Medical Students in Kermanshah, Iran, about Toothbrush Maintenance and Use

Table 3

Comparison of knowledge of nursing and medical students about toothbrush maintenance and use of a toothbrush.

ItemsNursing students number (%)Medical students number (%)Test results

What water temperature is suitable for washing the toothbrush?Hot40 (15.4)46 (14.4)X2 = 0.40
Cold61 (23.5)82 (25.6)NS
Lukewarm159 (61.2)192 (60.0)

What is the right time to use toothbrush cap?Immediately after brushing64 (24.6)79 (24.7)X2 = 0.00
After drying the toothbrush196 (75.4)241 (75.3)NS

When should a toothbrush be replaced? (in months)1-239 (15.0)47 (14.7)X2 = 1.25
2-3142 (54.6)162 (50.6)NS
679 (30.4)111 (34.7)

What is the best tooth brushing method?Horizontal-rotary56 (21.5)79 (24.7)X2 = 2.19
Vertical-rotary176 (67.7)198 (61.9)NS
Irregular28 (10.8)43 (13.4)

What is the right place for keeping the toothbrush?Inside the bathroom55 (21.2)55 (17.2)X2 = 1.46
Out of the bathroom205 (78.8)265 (82.8)NS

What is the right method for washing the toothbrush?Complete washing with hot water76 (29.2)99 (30.9)X2 = 6.24
Complete washing with cold water99 (38.1)133 (41.6)NS
Rinsing with hot water32 (12.3)47 (14.7)
Rinsing with cold water53 (20.4)41 (12.8)

When should a toothbrush be washed?Before brushing30 (11.5)22 (6.9)X2 = 4.52
After brushing64 (24.6)93 (29.1)NS
Before and after brushing166 (63.8)205 (64.1)

How long should tooth brushing last?1-2 minutes24 (9.2)43 (13.4)X2 = 4.47
2-3 minutes143 (55)152 (47.5)NS
More than 3 minutes82 (31.5)113 (35.3)
Less than 1 minute11 (4.2)12 (3.8)

What is the right method for keeping toothbrush after brushing?Hanging197 (75.8)254 (79.4)X2 = 1.07
Keeping in water upside down63 (24.2)66 (20.6)NS

Nonsignificant.