A controlled trial to compare the ability of foam swabs and toothbrushes to remove dental plaque

The trial verified the findings from the previous study. The conclusions can be generalized to a wider population because of the magnitude and direction of the differences measured. The implications for nurse education and the development of nursing in practice settings include the need to teach effective toothbrushing skills to nurses, and to support clinical staff in developing mouthcare practice, particularly in relation to the use of assessment strategies that include the choice of effective tools.