Transforming dental data

Brushing our teeth is something most of us take for granted every day. But for people with strength, mobility or dexterity issues, it can be much more of a challenge and can lead to pain, discomfort and dental health problems.

Examining the ergonomics of toothbrushing has been difficult because it’s an action that happens in people’s homes, where it’s not easy to gather accurate data without interfering with people’s usual routines. But a new study used an innovative approach to learn more about how toothbrushing might contribute to musculoskeletal strain and its other impacts.

Small cameras were mounted on bathroom mirrors to give a clear view of the research participants and the Revised Strain Index and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment tools were used to evaluate factors such as postures.

Describing the research in the latest issue of our member magazine, The Ergonomist, PhD student Azhar Khan said: “Although these tools are normally used in workplace ergonomics to study repetitive strain, here, for the first time, they were applied to toothbrushing.

“The RSI, in particular, gave us a window into the subtle stresses of the task: how much strain the wrist endured and how that strain varied depending on which area of the mouth was being brushed. The result was a far more detailed picture than simply ‘good’ or ‘bad’ brushing.”

It’s hoped the research will help make brushing easier for people with physical issues and improve their oral health and independence.

CIEHF members can read the full report in the December issue of The Ergonomist.