A clinical study to compare the efficacy of 2 electric toothbrushes in plaque removal

Abstract

AbstractObjectives: To compare the cleaning efficacy of a powered toothbrush with 3‐dimensional brush head action (Braun Oral‐B 3D Plaque Remover D15) and a high‐speed “microtation” brush with an additional “microbrush®‐clip” (Rowenta Dentasonic MH921S).Material and Methods: 82 healthy subjects took part in the study. After a familiarization period of 8 days, the subjects abstained from all oral hygiene procedures for 48 h. After plaque was scored, the subjects brushed their teeth under supervision with the two brushes according to a split‐mouth design. Immediately after brushing, subjects completed a questionnaire and plaque was scored again.Results: The overall plaque scores were found to be significantly reduced from 3.05±0.60 to 1.96±0.63 by the D15 and from 3.02±0.58 to 2.24±0.64 by the Dentasonic (p<0.05). The proximal surface plaque scores were reduced from 3.20±0.63 to 2.17±0.69 by the D15 and from 3.17±0.60 to 2.44±0.69 by the Dentasonic. The relative plaque reduction was overall 36.6±12.2% for the D15 compared to 26.1±13.5% for the Dentasonic and at proximal surfaces, 33.1±12.3% and 23.2±13.0%, respectively. 75% of the subjects stated that they would prefer to keep the D15.Conclusions: Both brushes were able to remove a significant amount of plaque, but the D15 was significantly more effective compared to the Dentasonic. The additional “microbrush®‐clip” for the proximal embrasures failed to improve plaque removal from these tooth surfaces, compared to the D15 alone.