A COMPARISON OF 2 ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES WITH RESPECT TO PLAQUE REMOVAL AND SUBJECT PREFERENCE

Purpose: To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy, and subjec t preference of two electric toothbrushes in a single-blind, randomize d, split-mouth study. Materials and Methods: The devices studied were the Braun Oral-B 3D Plaque Remover and the sonicare electric toothbrus h. The 3D toothbrush combines the clinically proven oscillating/rotati ng action of the D9 with a sonic frequency pulsating action in the dir ection of the long axis of the bristles, giving a three-dimensional cl eaning action. At an initial visit, the subjects (n = 44) were given a baseline examination of the oral soft tissues and a full mouth prophy laxis and instructed in the use of the two products, which was followe d by a 4-week training period. After 2 weeks of using each toothbrush on alternate days, brushing technique was checked. After a further 2 w eeks, having abstained from oral hygiene for 48 hours, two contralater al quadrants of the mouth were randomly assigned to be cleaned by the subjects with each toothbrush. Plaque assessments and soft tissue exam inations were made before and after brushing. Plaque was evaluated acc ording to a refinement of the Modified Navy Plaque Index. At the end o f the study, subjects completed a product evaluation questionnaire. Re sults: Plaque levels were significantly reduced by both toothbrushes ( P= 0.001), but the efficacy of the 3D electric toothbrush was signific antly greater than that of the sonicare toothbrush (P = 0.001) for all comparisons. Plaque reduction was particularly marked in the interpro ximal areas, reaching 87% with the 3D product, compared with 68% for s onicare (P = 0.001). In the responses to the questionnaire, the majori ty of subjects stated that they preferred the 3D toothbrush (88% vs 12 %), mainly because of the smaller size of the brush, ease of control a nd overall maneuverability.