Abstract
ObjectivesTo compare the cleansing efficacy of a representative “ten seconds” auto-cleaning device with that of uninstructed manual toothbrushing in a pilot study.Materials and methodsTwenty periodontally healthy probands refrained from oral hygiene for 3 days. Baseline full-mouth plaque scores (Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index, RMNPI) were assessed. After randomization, probands cleaned their teeth either with the auto-cleaning test device according to the manufacturer’s protocol or with a manual toothbrush. Plaque reduction was assessed by two aligned blinded investigators. After a 2-week recovery, the clinical investigation was repeated in a crossover design. The brushing pattern of the auto-cleaning device was analyzed in probands’ casts.ResultsFull-mouth plaque reduction was 11.37 ± 3.70% for the auto-cleaning device and 31.39 ± 5.27% for manual toothbrushing (p < 0.0001). The investigation of the auto-cleaning device’s brushing pattern in dental casts revealed a positive relationship of bristle rows in contact with tooth surfaces and the cleansing efficacy in the respective areas. A maximum of 2/4 bristle rows were in contact with the tooth surfaces; in some areas, the bristles had no contact to the teeth.ConclusionsUninstructed manual toothbrushing is superior to auto-cleaning. The alignment and density of the auto-cleaning device’s bristle rows need to be improved, and assorted sizes would be necessary to cover different jaw shapes.Clinical relevanceThe auto-cleaning device has been developed to accommodate individuals with poor dexterity or compliance. To date, it is unable to provide sufficient plaque reduction due to an inappropriate bristle alignment and poor fit with diverse dental arches.
Highlights
The regular removal of dental biofilm plays a key role in the maintenance of oral health
To the authors’ knowledge, amabrush®, which was tested in the present study, was the first contemporary auto-cleaning device that was available on the European market
RMPNI is calculated as percentage of biofilm adhering sites to measured sites
Summary
The regular removal of dental biofilm plays a key role in the maintenance of oral health. Clin Oral Invest (2021) 25:247–253 one’s abilities, gingival margins showed persistent plaque at 69.48% ± 12.31% sites (mean ± SD) [6]. To facilitate tooth cleaning in persons with poor dexterity, impaired motor function, or just a lack of motivation, diverse manual and powered toothbrush designs have been developed. Various auto-cleaning U-shaped toothbrushing devices have popped up on the (online) market promising “clean teeth” in a few seconds. To the authors’ knowledge, amabrush®, which was tested in the present study, was the first contemporary auto-cleaning device that was available on the European market. Similar auto-cleaning devices available on the online market are, e.g., Cartoon Blue-ray Whitening Teeth Brush®, Ultraschall Elektrische Zahnbürste Teeth Whitening Kit®, Automatic U Type Head Intelligent Wireless Charging Electric Toothbrush®, or Automatic Whitening Toothbrush®
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