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At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

The impact of bristle profile on plaque removal efficacy of a battery-powered toothbrush.

PURPOSE: To compare the plaque removal efficacy of a control powered toothbrush (original Crest SpinBrush, flat bristle profile) to a prototype powered toothbrush (new Crest SpinBrush, rippled bristle pattern). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized, controlled, examiner-blind, 4-period crossover design, which examined plaque removal following a single use. The 20 subjects repeated the single use in each of four periods, twice with each toothbrush. Plaque was scored before and after brushing using the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Index. RESULTS: Baseline plaque scores were 1.59 and 1.65 for the prototype powered toothbrush and control toothbrush treatment groups, respectively. With respect to all surfaces examined, the prototype powered toothbrush delivered an adjusted (via analysis of covariance) mean difference between baseline and post-brushing plaque scores of 0.54 while the control toothbrush delivered an adjusted mean difference of 0.48. The experimental toothbrush group, on average, had a 13.1% larger plaque removal score than the control toothbrush. These results were statistically significant (P= 0.031). Similar results were observed on buccal and lingual surfaces.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

A clinical comparison of the gingivitis reduction and plaque-removal efficacy of a new manual toothbrush.

The objective of this controlled, examiner-blind, 4-week clinical study was to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of a newly designed manual toothbrush (Colgate 360 degrees toothbrush) to the Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis. A total of 80 subjects from the central New Jersey area reported to the clinical facility for a baseline plaque and gingivitis examination after having refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 12 hours and from eating, drinking, or smoking for 4 hours. The population was comprised of healthy adult men and women 18 to 67 years of age. After the baseline examinations, qualifying subjects were randomized into two groups and assigned to one of the two test toothbrushes. All subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for 1 minute under supervision, after which they were again examined for supragingival plaque. They were then instructed to brush their teeth twice a day for 1 minute with their assigned toothbrush and a commercially available toothpaste (Colgate Cavity Protection Great Regular Flavor Fluoride Toothpaste) for the next 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of use, subjects returned to the clinical facility for a final gingivitis and plaque examination. Seventy-eight subjects complied with the protocol and completed the 4-week clinical study. The results of the study indicated that the new manual toothbrush was statistically significantly effective in reducing gingivitis after 4 weeks and in removing plaque after a single toothbrushing and after 4 weeks of use. Also, the group using the new manual toothbrush exhibited a statistically significant greater reduction in plaque of up to 40% and no statistically significant difference in gingivitis reduction after 4 weeks of use, as compared to the Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Plaque removal efficacy of two electric toothbrushes with different brush head designs.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy of two electric toothbrushes, one a rechargeable oscillating/pulsating toothbrush with a small round brush head (Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000; PC 7000), the other a battery-operated toothbrush with a dual moving brush head (Crest SpinBrush Pro; SBP). METHODS: The study had a randomised, examiner-blind, two-arm crossover design. All subjects received an oral prophylaxis and used both toothbrushes on alternating days for a two-week practice period. After abstaining from all oral hygiene procedures for 23-25 hours, subjects received an oral tissue examination and those with pre-brushing whole mouth mean plaque scores > or = 0.60 measured by the Rustogi et al. Modified Navy Plaque Index were randomly assigned to treatment sequence. Subjects brushed with their assigned toothbrush for 2 minutes using a commercially available dentifrice. Oral tissues were then re-examined and post-brushing plaque scores recorded. After a brief washout period, the above procedures were repeated with the alternate toothbrush. One examiner, blinded to the treatment sequence, performed all clinical measurements. RESULTS: A total of 70 subjects (24 males and 46 females) were enrolled and completed the study. Each toothbrush was found to be safe and significantly reduced plaque levels after a single brushing. The PC 7000 was significantly more effective in plaque removal than the SBP at all tooth areas, reducing whole mouth plaque by 61% versus 58% and plaque from approximal surfaces by 69% versus 65%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The action of the oscillating/pulsating toothbrush with a small round brush head, Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000, is more effective in plaque removal than the battery-operated Crest SpinBrush Pro toothbrush with a larger dual moving brush head.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Dental plaque removal efficacy of three toothbrushes with different designs: A comparative analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare dental plaque removal efficacy of three manual toothbrushes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three toothbrushes (Colgate Flexível - Colgate (T1), Oral B Advantage Control Grip - Oral B (T2), Comfort Clean - Johnson & Johnson - Reach (T3) were evaluated for dental plaque removal in 17 subjects. Dental plaque was scored before and after seven days' use of each toothbrush, employing an adaptation of Quigley-Hein Index modified by Turesky (Plaque Index). Assessments were performed at days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. At the end of the trial each subject was asked which toothbrush was preferred. RESULTS: Final dental plaque scores for toothbrush T3 were statistically different from toothbrushes T1 and T2, which in turn did not differ from each other. Subjects showed preference towards toothbrush T3. CONCLUSION: Toothbrush T3 was more efficient in terms of dental plaque removal when compared with toothbrushes T2 and T1.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Blinded clinical evaluation of a new manual toothbrush.

OBJECTIVE: A new manual toothbrush with an innovative design has recently been introduced into the marketplace. The purpose of this single-blind, crossover study was to compare plaque removal associated with this new manual toothbrush (Curvex) and a best-selling commercially available manual tootbrush (Oral-B Indicator 40). METHODOLOGY: Over a five-week period, twenty-one subjects participated in this investigation. Following random assignment, ten of the subjects started with the Curvex toothbrush, and the remaining subjects began with the Oral-B Indicator 40 toothbrush. Subjects brushed twice daily for two minutes over a two-week period. After a one-week washout period, the subjects brushed with the alternate toothbrush for two weeks. At the beginning and end of each two-week trial period, subjects were scored before and after brushing using the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (T/Q-H). Findings of reductions in plaque scores were limited to "before vs. after" assessments. Plaque scores were measured in each subject (up to 168 sites) on each of four occasions. RESULTS: The average baseline and test plaque scores for the Oral-B Indicator 40 brush were 2.41 and 1.72; for the Curvex brush these values were 2.34 and 1.69. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed no difference between brushes. Paired-comparison t-tests were conducted on each of the 168 evaluated sites, and no patterns of superiority for either brush were identified. Although both toothbrushes effectively reduced mean plaque scores, ANOVA demonstrated no significant difference between toothbrushes. CONCLUSION: The Curvex toothbrush is as effective as the Oral-B Indicator 40 toothbrush in removing plaque. Additionally, there was no evidence of any soft tissue abrasion from either brush.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Toothbrush holder for a day-care center].

A recent investigation of the various oral hygiene activities in 23 day-care centers located in the district administered by the Verdun Community Health Department has highlighted the need for a standardized hygienic method of storing toothbrushes. The study proposed to identify the main criteria related to hygiene that must be observed in order to prevent the transmission of contagious diseases within a day-care center, through the use of toothbrushes or toothbrush holders. Furthermore, the toothbrush holder has to meet four requirements: (1) be inexpensive; (2) be easy to build or manufacture; (3) allow the storage of 15 toothbrushes at the same time; (4) permit easy identification of the toothbrush by the child or teacher. A review of the literature, together with an assessment of toothbrush holders presently used by day-care centers in the district administered by the Verdun Community Health Department, showed that there were none which completely satisfied the required criteria. Under these circumstances, the authors of the study propose a detailed plan for the construction of a toothbrush holder that will satisfy these requirements. The toothbrush holder can be used to promote dental health to the very young. A sponsor could present it as a gift to one or more day-care centers in order to demonstrate their interest in the prevention of dental disease among these children.

Child Day Care Centers↗
PubMed1989

[Effectiveness of power toothbrushes].

Three power toothbrushes with different mechanical principles (blend-a-dent master-vertical oscillating system, blend-a-dent medic electric elliptical oscillating system, interplak-contra-rotationsystem of the bristle-tuft) and a conventional hand toothbrush were investigated in 60 oral hygiene-motivated persons in a three-month-study. Efficiency was tested by two parameters (plaque index, papillary-bleeding index) under statistically identical conditions. The study showed no major differences in efficiency between the power toothbrushes and the manual toothbrush. --For the whole study the power toothbrush with an elliptical oscillating system showed the best results. --Power toothbrushes are not more effective in plaque removal than a manual toothbrush. The great statistical variation of the investigated parameters in each group shows that an optimal brushing technique was more important than the choice of a certain toothbrush. --The investigation of the interproximal areas showed that a toothbrush alone is not effective enough. The additional use of dental floss and/or interdental cleaners for optimal oral hygiene is essential.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1994

Laboratory evaluations of toothbrush interproximal penetration ratios.

Access to interproximal tooth surfaces by toothbrush bristles has been associated with plaque removal. The ability of toothbrushes to assess the interproximal area was assessed with a new laboratory apparatus by measuring the extent of bristle-to-tooth contact in simulated toothbrushing with ink-coated toothbrush bristles. Toothbrush types evaluated were the bi-level trim Advanced Design Reach Soft, the ripple trim Crest Complete Large Soft, the flat trim Colgate Plus Full Head Adult Soft, and the flat trim Oral-B 35. Six replicates of each toothbrush were tested. Denture teeth in a Columbia Dentoform, mounted at 45 degrees, were brushed at a 300 g brushing weight for 15 horizontal strokes. Tooth #15 (upper left second molar) was then removed for measurement and the interproximal distance of ink deposition was determined under 10x magnification from the plane of the buccal contour, along the mesial side of the tooth in the lingual direction at the approximate vertical midpoint of the proximal surface. This was compared in ratio to the same measurement from the buccal contour to the midline. Mean penetration ratios were 0.84 for the Advanced Design Reach, 0.79 for Crest Complete, and 0.78 for both Colgate Plus and Oral-B 35 (overall standard error = 0.01). A one-way ANOVA showed a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) demonstrating that Advanced Design Reach penetrated significantly farther than the toothbrushes with flat or ripple trim bristle patterns. The data suggest the bi-level trim in the Advanced Design Reach toothbrush offers better penetration into the area between teeth, and may provide superior clinical or plaque removal compared to the other toothbrushes tested.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1993

A clinical comparison of plaque removal performance of three manual toothbrushes.

A clinical study was performed to evaluate and compare the plaque-removal performance of a recently introduced, computer-designed manual toothbrush with that of two commercially available products; the Oral-B 40 and the Reach Full-Head soft toothbrushes. Seventy-five adult male and female subjects participated, each refraining from toothbrushing for twenty-four hours. Plaque was scored according to the Rustogi, et al. refinement of the Modified Navy Plaque Index. Following screening, the subjects were divided into three balanced groups on the basis of initial plaque scores. Each group, in an alternate weekly cross-over design, used each of the three toothbrushes. At Visit 1, each group, having refrained from toothbrushing for twenty-four hours, was evaluated for plaque before brushing for sixty seconds with the assigned toothbrush, after which plaque was again scored. At Visit 2 one week later, the same procedure was followed except for the assignment of a different toothbrush. The same procedure was employed for Visit 3. On completion of the study, the data were subjected to statistical analyses which indicated that the Colgate Precision Full Head soft toothbrush removed significantly more plaque than either of the other two toothbrushes.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Plaque removal efficacy of two electric toothbrushes with different brush head designs.

OBJECTIVES.: To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy of two electric toothbrushes, one a rechargeable oscillating/pulsating toothbrush with a small round brush head (Oral-B ProfessionalCaretrade mark 7000; PC 7000), the other a battery-operated toothbrush with a dual moving brush head (Crest(R) SpinBrushtrade mark Pro; SBP). METHODS.: The study had a randomised, examiner-blind, two-arm crossover design. All subjects received an oral prophylaxis and used both toothbrushes on alternating days for a two-week practice period. After abstaining from all oral hygiene procedures for 23-25 hours, subjects received an oral tissue examination and those with pre-brushing whole mouth mean plaque scores >/=0.60 measured by the Rustogi et al. Modified Navy Plaque Index were randomly assigned to treatment sequence. Subjects brushed with their assigned toothbrush for 2 minutes using a commercially available dentifrice. Oral tissues were then re-examined and post-brushing plaque scores recorded. After a brief washout period, the above procedures were repeated with the alternate toothbrush. One examiner, blinded to the treatment sequence, performed all clinical measurements. RESULTS.: A total of 70 subjects (24 males and 46 females) were enrolled and completed the study. Each toothbrush was found to be safe and significantly reduced plaque levels after a single brushing. The PC 7000 was significantly more effective in plaque removal than the SBP at all tooth areas, reducing whole mouth plaque by 61% versus 58% and plaque from approximal surfaces by 69% versus 65%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS.: The action of the oscillating/pulsating toothbrush with a small round brush head, Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000, is more effective in plaque removal than the battery-operated Crest SpinBrush Pro toothbrush with a larger dual moving brush head.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Persistence of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in toothbrushes and removable orthodontic appliances following treatment of pharyngotonsillitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the persistence of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) in toothbrushes and removable orthodontic appliances (ROAs) in children who suffer from acute GABHS pharyngotonsillitis and the association with penicillin treatment failure. SETTING: Private practice setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pharyngotonsillar and toothbrush cultures were obtained from 104 children with acute GABHS pharyngotonsillitis before and after 10 days of penicillin V potassium therapy. Cultures of ROAs were also obtained from 21 children. The persistence of GABHS in 10 daily rinsed and 10 nonrinsed toothbrushes was studied in vitro. RESULTS: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated from 11 (11%) of the toothbrushes and 18 (17%) of the patients after the completion of penicillin therapy. Toothbrushes of 5 (28%) of the 18 children who harbored GABHS were colonized with the organism. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were also isolated from 4 (19%) of 21 ROAs after therapy. In vitro studies illustrated the persistence of GABHS in nonrinsed toothbrushes for up to 15 days. In contrast, the organism was not isolated from rinsed toothbrushes beyond day 3. CONCLUSION: Toothbrushes and ROAs that harbor GABHS may contribute to the persistence of GABHS in the oropharynx and may account for the failure of penicillin therapy in some cases of pharyngotonsillitis.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Dental care with manual toothbrushes during fixed orthodontic treatment--a new testing procedure.

AIM: The aim of this investigation was to employ a new in-vitro testing system for manual toothbrushes in order to distinguish the more effective from those less so for dental care during fixed appliance treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The testing apparatus consisted of a sliding carriage able to execute a horizontal brushing movement, and a row of artificial teeth upon which the various toothbrushes were manipulated. The artificial row of teeth was fixed on a sensor that recorded in all three dimensions the forces and moments caused by the toothbrushes on the toothbrush field. All the tests were executed with a weight of 110 g on a tooth field with a multibracket appliance. Tests were also carried out with five toothbrushes having weights of 200 g, 250 g and 300 g. Here, the decisive target values were 1) the degree of exertion necessary in the brushing direction to move a brush over the artificial teeth, and 2) the maximum force occurring in the brushing direction. High target values indicated high interaction between toothbrush bristles and the surfaces being brushed. RESULTS: From testing five toothbrushes with four different weights, we have established profiles confirming the beneficial and less beneficial properties of certain toothbrushes involving various high contact forces.

Dental Devices, Home Care↗
PubMed2006

Dental care during orthodontic treatment with electric toothbrushes.

OBJECTIVE: In an in-vitro experimental set-up, we tested the efficacy of different electric toothbrushes in cleaning teeth with a multibracket appliance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The efficacy of three sonic and four rotating toothbrushes were compared; the brushes removed artificial plaque from plastic teeth. The amount of removed plaque substitute was determined via a comparative photo-analysis with one picture of the teeth before and one picture after the brushing cycle. Two views of the tooth segment were chosen: one vestibular view and one apical view of the areas behind the bracket wings. All tests were carried out with water, elmex and Pearls and Dents as brushing media. RESULTS: The data showed greater brushing efficacy when Pearls and Dents toothpaste was used. The Sonicare toothbrush was the most efficient. The Sonicmax and rotating Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000 were also very efficacious. On average, all the other toothbrushes performed less well. All toothbrushes were capable of brushing the undercut areas behind the bracket wings, with plaque removal being the greatest when the Sonicare toothbrush was used together with Pearls and Dents. CONCLUSIONS: The best electric toothbrushes did not demonstrate good tooth cleaning. Longer brushing times, mastery of the proper brushing technique, and/or special toothbrush heads are absolutely necessary.

Dental Care↗
PubMed2004

The safety and efficacy of a powered toothbrush on soft tissues in patients with implant-supported fixed prostheses.

The safety, efficacy and acceptability of an oscillating/rotating powered toothbrush was assessed in patients rehabilitated with fixed prostheses on implants. One hundred consecutive patients (aged 18-80; mean 56.3; 51 females), who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and who participated in a regular annual recall scheme, were enrolled. They were instructed on how to use the powered toothbrush, as well as on classical interdental plaque control. The electric toothbrush had to be used twice daily for 2 min. The following periodontal parameters were measured at baseline and at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months: presence/absence of gingival and/or mucosal ulceration/desquamation; sulcus bleeding index; probing pocket depth; periodontal pocket-bleeding index and gingival recession. At 3 months and at the end of the study, patients completed a questionnaire concerning the overall acceptability and convenience of the powered toothbrush, as compared with their habitual manual toothbrush. A total of 80 patients completed the study. No dropouts were related to the use of the powered toothbrush. All parameters improved over the course of the study. The mean overall pocket depth decreased from 3.3 mm at baseline to 3.0 mm at 12 months, while the mean decrease in recession was 0.1 mm at 12 months. During the 1-year observation, there was a slight gain in periodontal attachment level. Gingival ulcerations were not observed at any point in the study. High scores for convenience and comfort of the powered toothbrush were reported, and the majority (95%) said that they would continue to use it for habitual oral hygiene. It is concluded that the powered toothbrush investigated is effective, safe and comfortable for patients rehabilitated by means of oral implant-supported prostheses.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Comparative study of 3 types of toothbrushes in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

INTRODUCTION: Plaque and trapped debris that accumulate gingivally to orthodontic wire are difficult to remove. The triple-headed toothbrush (TH-TB) was designed to reach the gingival tooth margin. In this study, we examined its effectiveness in improving the oral health of orthodontic patients as compared with conventional and orthodontic toothbrushes. METHODS: Orthodontic patients (n = 94; mean age, 15.6 +/- 3.9 years) receiving edgewise treatment in both arches were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (TH-TB, orthodontic toothbrush, and conventional toothbrush). After toothbrushing instruction, each participant received professional tooth cleaning. Tooth plaque index, bracket plaque index, gingival index, and bleeding index were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks of usage. Satisfaction level was obtained after 4 weeks. RESULTS: The TH-TB was significantly more effective than conventional and orthodontic toothbrushes in tooth-plaque removal by 2-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively (P < .001); in bracket-plaque removal by 3-fold and 2-fold, respectively (P < .001); and in improving gingival health by 6-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively (P = .011). Patients who used the TH-TB were significantly more satisfied than those who used the other toothbrushes (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The TH-TB is a practical alternative to other manual toothbrushes to improve tooth and gingival health in orthodontic patients wearing fixed appliances.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Clinical study on the plaque-removing ability of a new triple-headed toothbrush.

The aim of this study was to determine the plaque removing ability of a new toothbrush with a u-shaped head (Superbrush) compared to a conventional manual toothbrush (Elmex) and an electric toothbrush with a rotating head (Braun Plak control). 36 healthy volunteers, aged 6-60 years, participated in this single blind cross-over study. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups (A, B, C) with 12 participants each. To obtain a plaque-free condition at the baseline, professional toothcleaning was performed in each participant. After instructions on how to use the toothbrushes, each group started the experiment with a different type of toothbrush. After 1 week of application, the Quigley-Hein plaque index (QHI) and the proximal plaque index (API) were used to assess the oral hygiene status of each participant. This was followed by 1 week of recess before each group switched to the next type of toothbrush. The duration of the study was 5 weeks. All examinations were performed by 1 examiner. Compared to the 2 other brushes, the Superbrush was more effective in removing plaque (medians of QHI: 0.84 versus 1.56 (Elmex) and 1.56 (Braun); p<0.001; medians of API: 0.69 versus 0.94 (Elmex) and 0.87 (Braun); p<0.001). The study indicated that the new toothbrush may be an effective alternative to commonly used toothbrushes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Plaque removal with the uninstructed use of electric toothbrushes: comparison with a manual brush and toothpaste slurry.

BACKGROUND: Individuals purchasing electric toothbrushes for the 1st time will mostly only have the manufacturer's instructional leaflet for information of usage. AIMS: This study was designed to simulate the 1st-time purchase and early use of an electric toothbrush with the aim of comparing plaque removal with a manual toothbrush. Secondary aims were to assess chemical plaque removal effects of a toothpaste slurry and to compare between 2 electric brushes which differed only in head speed. METHODS: A group of 16 dentate subjects participated in this single-examiner blind, randomised, crossover design balanced for residual effects. Subjects had "average" oral hygiene and had never used an electric toothbrush previously. 7 days prior to the study, all subjects received the slower oscillating rotating toothbrush under test to use at home as they wished. The test treatments were brushing with 2 oscillating rotating electric toothbrushes, a manual toothbrush and a rinse with a toothpaste slurry (3 g/10 ml water). On day 1 of each study period, subjects were rendered plaque-free, suspended oral hygiene and returned on day 5. Plaque was scored at baseline by index and area and after 30 s, 30 s (total 60 s) and 60 s (total 120 s) of the cleaning treatments. Washout periods were at least 2 1/2 days. RESULTS: Highly significant treatment differences were found between the 4 treatments because the toothpaste slurry was totally without effect. Analyses between the 3 brush treatments overall revealed no consistent significant differences. The data suggest that in the early days of electric toothbrush use, subjects perform no better than using a manual brush. CONCLUSIONS: The present study, taken with results from others showing greater benefits from the use of electric brushes, supports the idea that dental professionals should, where possible, provide advice and instruction in the use of such devices.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of the clinical effects and gingival abrasion aspects of manual and electric toothbrushes.

AIMS: The clinical effects and gingival abrasion aspects of 2 electrical tooth-brushes (Braun Oral-B Plak Control Ultra and the novel development Braun Oral-B Plak Control 3D) were to be compared with conventional manual tooth-brushing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cross-over study, 26 dental student volunteers participated and were assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Following instruction in the use of the electric as well as manual toothbrushes, the volunteers were timed for 2 min each day to apply one electric or the manual toothbrush, respectively, during 3 experimental phases of 2 weeks. No other methods of tooth cleaning were to be performed except the one specified for the respective test period. When brushing manually, the Bass toothbrushing technique was applied. Between each test period, a recovery period of 1 week was allowed during which no oral hygiene was performed at all. At the start and the end of each of the experimental periods, the extension of plaque deposits from the gingival margin in coronal direction was assessed using the Turesky et al. modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index. Presence or absence of gingival inflammation was evaluated by bleeding and probing (BOP). The extent and severity of gingival abrasions were assessed by use of a modified method of Breitenmoser et al. and adapted by Danser et al. RESULTS: The plaque-reducing effect was similar in all groups with the same cleaning regime. For that reason, the result of the different experimental phases with the respective cleaning modalities were collapsed. Cleaning with the Braun Oral-B Plak Control Ultra electric toothbrush resulted consistently in the lowest plaque scores when compared to both the Braun Oral-B Plak Control 3D and the manual toothbrush. Although the differences in plaque reduction were statistically significant between cleaning with Braun Oral-B Plak Control Ultra and 3D, they were small and of questionable clinical relevance. No significant differences in plaque reductions were found between manual brushing and any of the 2 electric brushes. Gingival abrasions were least pronounced following brushing with the Braun Oral-B Plak Control 3D electric toothbrush. However, no significant differences in gingival abrasion were encountered following brushing with the Braun Oral-B Plak Control Ultra electric in comparison with the manual toothbrush. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study have shown that in a group of dental students trained in manual brushing technique, where efficacy was similar with the 3 toothbrushes tested, there is no evidence of greater gingival abrasion with either Braun Oral-B Plak Control Ultra or 3D when compared with a manual brush.

Adult↗