Prevention. Part 4: Toothbrushing: What advice should be given to patients?

This paper examines and summarises the evidence to support the advice that GDPs should give their patients on toothbrushing. The strength of evidence is graded using a five-point hierarchical scale. Much of the evidence to support toothbrushing advice is relatively weak but the increasing number of high quality systematic reviews will gradually improve the strength of evidence to support effective programmes of preventive care. Clinicians can play an important role in maximising the benefits of toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste for patients of all ages. This well-accepted health behaviour can, if implemented correctly, reduce the establishment and advance of the two major dental diseases.