A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL-STUDY OF EXTRINSIC TOOTH STAIN REMOVAL WITH 2 ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES [BRAUN D7 AND D9] AND A MANUAL BRUSH

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two oscillating/rotati ng toothbrushes, (Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover - D7 and Braun Oral-B Ul tra Plaque Remover - D9) and a manual toothbrush with respect to remov ing extrinsic dental stain. Materials and Methods: This randomized, th ree-way cross-over study investigated 24 subjects entering the trial, which was divided into three, 5-day periods. Over the first 4 days of the study, an intense chlorhexidine/tea rinsing regimen was employed t o induce extrinsic tooth staining. On day 5, each subject was assessed for tooth stain; they then brushed for a total of 2 minutes with one of the three randomly allocated toothbrushes. Stain evaluations were r epeated after 30 seconds, 1 and 2 minutes brushing, with the intensity of stain, area of stain and number of sites with < 10% stained tooth area, being recorded at each assessment. Results: Analysis of the resu lts showed that the two electric toothbrushes were significantly bette r at removing stain than the manual toothbrush. In addition, the D9 wa s consistently more effective than the D7, with the difference with re spect to stain area achieving statistical significance (P < 0.05) afte r 2 minute's brushing. All three brushes were found to be safe, and th ere was no evidence of any soft or hard tissue abrasion. It was conclu ded that the oscillating/rotating electric toothbrushes were more effe ctive in removing extrinsic dental stain than a manual brush, and that compared with the D7, the newly designed Braun Oral-B Ultra Plaque Re mover has an increased potential for stain removal.