Plaque levels in relation to the number of toothbrushing strokes in uninstructed English schoolchildren

y‐seven children, aged 13 yr, were asked to brush their teeth in school and were unaware that their toolhbrushing was being recorded on tape. Plaque levels [Plaque Index] were recorded after brushing. By repealed viewing of the tapes on a monitor, the total brushing time and the number of brushing strokes used in each of 12 areas of the dentition were obtained. The mean total brushing time (±SD) was 51.1 s (±15.4). The number of brushing strokes used in each of the 12 areas of the mouth varied widely, both within and between areas, and correlated poorly with plaque levels after brushing. In only one area (maxillary right posterior buccal) was a statistically significant negative correlation observed, and less plaque (p<0.05) found in subjects who brushed this area with > 10 strokes compared with subjects who brushed with < 10 strokes. This study emphasises the need for proper toodibrushing instruction in schoolage children.