a randomization was performed in which the participants were allocated to the following experimental procedures: Two quadrants (1 and 3 or 2 and 4) with medium toothbrush Two quadrants with soft toothbrush. All procedures were performed using the same dentifrice. Each quadrant was brushed for 30 seconds by the participant without specific instructions on the technique, under supervision of the person in charge of the randomization.

a randomization was performed in which the participants were allocated to the following experimental procedures: Two quadrants (1 and 3 or 2 and 4) with medium toothbrush Two quadrants with soft toothbrush. All procedures were performed using the same dentifrice. Each quadrant was brushed for 30 seconds by the participant without specific instructions on the technique, under supervision of the person in charge of the randomization.

a randomization was performed in which the participants were allocated to the following experimental procedures: Two quadrants (1 and 3 or 2 and 4) with medium toothbrush Two quadrants with soft toothbrush. All procedures were performed using the same dentifrice. Each quadrant was brushed for 30 seconds by the participant without specific instructions on the technique, under supervision of the person in charge of the randomization.

All gingival quadrants were analised by photographs made in different experimental times. After that, all photographs were evaluated in a blinded manner, according to the methodology suggested by Danser, et al. (1998), dividing the region to be analyzed in three areas: cervical, interdental and mid-gingival. In each area, the presence of gingival abrasion was assessed dichotomically.