Assessment of the level of knowledge in dentists about the benefits of bamboo toothbrushes compared to conventional plastic ones

Introduction: Since its invention, the toothbrush has played a vital role; it is the most commonly used basic tool by man for simple, comfortable, and economical oral hygiene. Objective: to determine the level of knowledge of dentists at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana about the benefits of bamboo toothbrushes compared to conventional plastic ones. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted during the period January-March 2024, with dentists at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana with the purpose of determining the level of knowledge of dentists at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana about the benefits of bamboo toothbrushes compared to conventional plastic ones. The universe and the sample were 35 professionals based on a non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The data analysis was structured through the use of SPSS version 25 and Microsoft Excel software, allowing an understanding of the distribution of the percentages of the study variables and dimensions. Results: 97,1 % of health professionals are aware of bamboo toothbrushes; 22.9 % say they use them; 67,7 % said they would like to try them; 35,3 % said they would recommend them; 85.7 % do not throw their toothbrush anywhere other than in the trash; 80 % knew that toothbrushes take more than 70 years to disintegrate; 62,9 % say they know that plastic toothbrushes pollute the environment; 60 % would change their plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one and finally, 91,2 % of respondents mentioned that no one has provided them with information regarding oral hygiene care. Conclusions: There are many reasons to recommend the use of the ecological bamboo brush due to its effectiveness in removing biofilm and being an alternative to preserve the environment.