Comparison of the use of different modes of mechanical oral hygiene in prevention of plaque and gingivitis.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an oscillating/rotating/pulsating powered toothbrush on plaque and gingivitis prevention over a 9-month period.


METHODS
The study had an examiner-masked, randomized, three-group parallel design. A total of 122 subjects >or= 18 years of age in good general health and with at least five teeth per quadrant and no pockets >or= 5 mm were included. A 3-week preexperimental period of extensive oral home care, including rinses, was started to improve gingival health. Professional oral hygiene instruction with a manual brush was provided. At baseline, subjects were assigned to one of three regimens: twice daily brushing with a manual toothbrush, a manual toothbrush and the use of floss, or a powered toothbrush. Subjects were professionally instructed in their regimen and given a prophylaxis. Two weeks later, oral hygiene reinforcement was provided. Gingival bleeding, plaque, staining, and gingival abrasion were assessed during the preexperimental period and at baseline, 10 weeks, and 6 and 9 months.


RESULTS
There was a significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis from the preexperimental period to baseline. At 10 weeks and 6 and 9 months, the level of plaque was statistically significantly lower with the powered toothbrush versus the other two regimens (P <or= 0.002). At 10 weeks and 6 months, the level of bleeding in the powered toothbrush group was statistically significantly lower versus manual brushing alone (P <or= 0.024).


CONCLUSIONS
The powered toothbrush maintained lower plaque levels for 9 months following the 3-week treatment phase better than the manual toothbrush with or without floss. The powered toothbrush showed significant benefits in preventing gingival bleeding versus manual brushing alone. All regimens were safe for oral tissues.
Rosema
Nanning A M
NA
Department of Periodontology, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. n.rosema@acta.nl
Timmerman
Mark F
MF
Versteeg
Paula A
PA
van Palenstein Helderman
Wim H
WH
Van der Velden
Ubele
U
Van der Weijden
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000293:injuries; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000295:instrumentation; D010512:Periodontal Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000209:etiology; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D009067:Mouthwashes; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine