Comparison of the effects of ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies on oral hygiene: A randomized-controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether high-frequency ultrasound toothbrushes have different effects on oral hygiene. Fifty first-year dental hygiene students were randomly divided into three groups using ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies (1.6, 3.2 and 4.8MHz) twice a day (3-min sessions) for 8weeks. Plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI) scores were assessed at 4 and 8weeks. Changes in GI scores from baseline to 8weeks tended to differ among the groups (p=0.0862). The GI was significantly lower in the 3.2 and 4.8MHz groups at 8weeks (3.2MHz group: p<0.01, 4.8MHz group: p<0.05). At 4weeks, the GI was significantly lower in the 3.2MHz group (p<0.05) and tended to be lower in the 4.8MHz group (p=0.07). The PlI was significantly lower in the 3.2MHz group at 8weeks (p<0.01) and tended to be lower in the 1.6 and 4.8MHz groups (1.6MHz: p=0.07, 4.8MHz: p=0.05). In addition, the PlI was significantly lower in the 4.8MHz group at 4weeks (p<0.05). No significant differences in the changes in any measurements were observed among the groups. The results of this study indicated that ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies probably have different effects on oral hygiene. However, it is difficult to conclude strongly that higher frequency ultrasound toothbrushes are more effective as there were some limitations.