title: Clinical evaluation of an ionic toothbrush in the removal of established plaque and reduction of gingivitis.
abstract: The clinical effectiveness of a manual ionic toothbrush in the removal of dental plaque and the reduction of gingivitis was evaluated. A double-blind study evaluated the effect of a small, imperceptible electric current on established dental plaque and gingivitis during toothbrushing. Sixty-four adults completed the study. Gingivitis and plaque scores were determined at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. The baseline indices of the two groups were well balanced. At each examination, the participants were instructed how to hold the toothbrush properly and reminded to change brush heads every 4 weeks. Statistically significant improvements in Löe Gingival Index scores were observed from baseline to 6 months between the control and test groups and within the test group. The Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores also showed a significant improvement from baseline to 6 months between the control and test groups and within the test group.
authors.affiliation: Division of Periodontics, Marquette University, School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-1881, USA.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Van Swol
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Van Scotter
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Pucher
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Dentino
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000628:therapy*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010512:Periodontal Index; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*