Effectiveness of electric toothbrushing in patients with neuromuscular disability: A randomized observer-blind crossover trial.

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of an electric toothbrush for oral care in patients with neuromuscular disability. In this randomized observer-blind crossover trial, 30 patients with neuromuscular disease performed either electric or manual toothbrushing each for 4 weeks. Plaque status (plaque control record), periodontal pocket depth, oral status (oral assessment guide), salivary bacterial count, and toothbrushing time were assessed after each period and compared between the two groups by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Twenty-eight patients completed the study, including 18 communicative patients. Periodontal pockets were significantly shallower and toothbrushing time was significantly shorter with electric toothbrush use than with manual toothbrush use. No significant differences in oral status and salivary bacterial counts were noted between the approaches, but plaque status significantly improved after electric toothbrushing in communicative patients. Electric toothbrushing is beneficial for maintaining oral health in patients with neuromuscular disability and reducing the caregivers' oral care burden.