It is the habit not the handle that affects tooth brushing - a randomised counterbalanced cross over study with young and healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the toothbrush handle on video-observed toothbrushing behaviour and toothbrushing effectiveness. METHODS: This is a randomized counterbalanced cross-over study. N = 50 university students and employees brushed their teeth at two occasions, one week apart, using either a commercial ergonomically designed manual toothbrush (MT) or Brushalyze V1 (BV1), a manual toothbrush with a thick cylindrical handle without any specific ergonomic features. Brushing behaviour was video-analysed. Plaque was assessed at the second occasion immediately after brushing. Participants also rated their self-perceived oral cleanliness and directly compared the two brushes regarding their handling and compared them to the brushed they used at home. RESULTS: The study participants found the BV1 significantly more cumbersome than the M1 or their brush at home. (p < 0.05). However, correlation analyses revealed a strong consistency of brushing behavior with the two brushes (0.71 < r < 0.91). Means differed only slightly (all d < 0.36). These differences became statistically significant only for the brushing time at inner surfaces (d = 0.31 p = 0.03) and horizontal movements at inner surfaces (d = 0.35, p = 0.02). Plaque levels at the gingival margins did not differ while slightly more plaque persisted at the more coronal aspects of the crown after brushing with BV1 (d = 0.592; p 0.042). DISCUSSION: The results of the study indicate that the brushing handle does not play a major role in brushing behavior or brushing effectiveness.

Pilot, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating 4 oral hygiene regimens using a manual toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

In this prospective pilot study, 84 patients with a history of poor oral hygiene were enrolled in an open-label, interventional, randomized controlled clinical trial. The aim was to provide preliminary clinical data on a new line of oral hygiene products containing a prebiotic and a paraprobiotic based on Lactobacillus plantarum. The recruitment rate and patient satisfaction were analyzed to estimate resources for the future primary study, and descriptive data on rebalancing of the oral microbiota were collected. The population was divided into 5 groups based on the products assigned to the patients: 1, delicate mint toothpaste (n = 20); 2, mint toothpaste (n = 12); 3, mint mouthwash (n = 20); 4, delicate mint toothpaste, mint mouthwash, and an antimicrobial toothbrush (n = 20); and 5, continued use of their usual oral care products and routine (control group; n = 12). The study duration was 28 days. All patients tolerated the products well, and there were no adverse events. The recruitment capability and procedures allowed for a realistic estimation for the future main trial. The products did not cause any changes in tooth color. The participants in group 4, who completed the treatment consisting of delicate mint toothpaste, mint mouthwash, and an antimicrobial toothbrush, reported the greatest reduction in gingival sensitivity (P ≤ 0.000; Wilcoxon signed rank test). Analysis with the Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed that all products induced a statistically significant decrease in plaque (P ≤ 0.002) and a reduction in gingival sensitivity (delicate mint toothpaste, P ≤ 0.005; mint toothpaste, P ≤ 0.015; and mint mouthwash, P ≤ 0.015). All products were effective in stabilizing the oral microbiota. The tested products showed an optimal safety profile and a statistically significant efficacy in reducing gingival sensitivity and plaque. They also stabilized the biodiversity of the oral microbiota, making it less susceptible to microbial fluctuations than the control group. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05999175).

Impact of manual toothbrush design on plaque removal efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Effective dental plaque removal is essential for oral health. Different toothbrush parameters including head-size, filament-diameter and interdent-height and different brushing movements like horizontal, rotating and vertical may affect plaque removal efficacy. The purpose of the study was to examine plaque removal efficacy of different design parameters of manual toothbrushes. METHODS: Eight manual toothbrushes were tested using a validated robot test to examine efficacy of toothbrush on replicated human teeth. Characteristics tested were: (i) head-size, (ii) filament-diameter, (iii) cutting-height, (iv) hardness, (v) interdental-height. Each test ran five times in horizontal, rotating, vertical movements. Simulated Plaque removal was evaluated using automated plaque planimetry: 30 fields/tooth, 13 areas representing buccal, lingual, proximal tooth sites. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov-test was applied to test tooth surface variables for normal distribution of plaque removal values. Parameters were analysed by independent two-sample t-test to assess mean differences. Where null hypothesis of normality was rejected, the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-U-test was used. RESULTS: Plaque removal was significantly better with toothbrush having smaller head-size (compact vs. full-size); smaller filament-diameter (0.12 mm vs. 0.15 mm); larger cutting-height (12 mm vs. 9 mm); softer filaments (0.15 or 0.18 mm vs. 0.23 mm) and greater interdent-height difference (8.5/11 mm vs. 10/11 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Manual brushes allowing filaments free to flex with longer, softer and/or having a difference in filament length overall removed significantly more simulated plaque as compared to more standard flat trim, stiff brushes with shorter, harder bristles and a larger head size. While limited by the in vitro nature of the study design, this indicates that the advances in toothbrush design can further enhance plaque removal.

Comparison of Manual Toothbrushes with Different Bristle Designs in Terms of Cleaning Efficacy and Plaque Control: A Pilot Study.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the cleaning efficacy and plaque control of the straight and angled bristle design manual toothbrushes. Materials and Methods: It was a pilot randomized trial comprising 30 dental students divided into 2 groups (group I flat bristle design toothbrush and group II zig-zag bristle design toothbrush) with 15 in each group. Prebrushing and postbrushing plaque scores were recorded at the baseline and at the end of 4 weeks using Turesky modification of Quigley and Hein plaque index. Results: Plaque and gingival scores were reduced significantly at 1 month in group II with P < 0.05 than compared to group I where P > 0.05. Mean GI and plaque scores of the criss-cross design were reduced significantly after 1 month (P < 0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that plaque and gingival scores significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at 1-month interval. Conclusion: Bristle design has significant impact on plaque removal capacity of a toothbrush. Toothbrush with zig-zag bristle design is efficient in removing plaque than the flat design of a toothbrush.

Dentronics: tooth cleaning with a tactile collaborative robot - an in vitro proof of concept.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of a tactile collaborative robot programmed by a dental professional (DP) with that of a DP in the removal of surrogate plaque in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six typodont teeth in articulated jaws were covered with surrogate plaque and cleaned by a DP with the help of a manual toothbrush (DP/manual) and an electric toothbrush (DP/electric). The experiment was repeated with the help of a collaborative seven-axis tactile robot programmed by a DP handling a manual toothbrush (robot/manual) and an electric toothbrush (robot/electric). All experiments were repeated five times, resulting in a total of N = 30 teeth in each group. Cleaning results were reported as the percentage of surface area with residual plaque. RESULTS: The cleaning results of the DP and the robot showed no significant differences. However, electric toothbrushing was significantly less effective compared with manual toothbrushing (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present in vitro study indicates that current robot technology may perform the removal of surrogate plaque as efficiently as a DP. In future, this may be helpful to release nursing staff from this time-demanding task that could possibly cause contagion or to support people with reduced motor skills or impaired vision in performing daily oral hygiene.

Efficacy of a new sonic powered toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush in a young population. A randomized cross-over clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of dental plaque removal between a new sonic toothbrush and a manual toothbrush. METHODS: In total, 75 healthy dental students participated in this randomized double-blind crossover clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (manual or sonic toothbrush) and underwent a single toothbrushing exercise. Seven days after, patients were asked to repeat the same procedure with the other toothbrush. Plaque scores were recorded before and after brushing. RESULTS: A significant mean reduction in the full-mouth plaque index was observed after the use of both type of brushes: 46.2% ± 0.28% (p = 0.000) and 50.5% ± 0.24% (p = 0.000) for the manual and sonic toothbrush, respectively. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two types of brushes (p = 0.277). Regarding plaque reduction on the distinct tooth surfaces, differences between the groups reached statistical significance in favour of the sonic toothbrush only on the buccal sites (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Both devices lead to similar plaque score reduction after a single tooth brushing.

Assessment of plaque control efficacy using two types of toothbrushes in young adults: An interventional crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of plaque removal efficacy of short-headed toothbrush as compared to conventional/traditional toothbrush. METHOD: A total of 20 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were considered. Selected subjects were divided into test and control groups. Initially, subjects were advised to refrain from brushing teeth for 24 h, to determine the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) at the baseline. Further, crossover observation between the groups was recorded based on short-headed toothbrush (Curaprox CS 5460) and traditional brushes (ultrasoft). Finally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to gather preferences and experiences of each subject. RESULTS: In terms of plaque removal, the short-headed toothbrush and the conventional toothbrush demonstrated comparable results. In terms of PI and GI, the intergroup comparison revealed no significant differences (p = 0.878). Individual acceptability of the short-headed toothbrush was shown to be higher in the questionnaire survey. CONCLUSION: It was observed that both toothbrushes showed similar efficacy. However, the subjects preferred short-headed toothbrush. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Short-headed toothbrushes comprising a higher number of bristles can be recommended in terms of better oral hygiene.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Manual Toothbrush Versus Power Toothbrush in Reduction of Gingivitis: A Comparative Clinical Study.

Background: In our study, we compare the power toothbrush with the manual toothbrush and the results showed were contradictory. Where few studies have reported that power toothbrushes are superior, other studies showed that both are equally efficacious in removing dental plaque. Aims: The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacy of manual toothbrush with an electric toothbrush in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 56 subjects which were randomly divided into two groups of 28 subjects each. At week 1, disclosing agent (two-tone solution) was used to detect plaque, and Loe and Silness Gingival Index were used to assess gingival scores. Oral hygiene instructions and brushing were also reinforced. A similar protocol was repeated at one, two, and six weeks. The collected data were subjected to statistical evaluation. Results: At two weeks, the plaque score for manual and power toothbrushes were 60.253 ± 20.672 and 44.031 ± 16.484, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant with P = 0.0020. At six weeks, plaque scores for manual and power toothbrushes were 43.784 ± 22.647 and 20.489 ± 10.336, respectively, and were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The present study concludes that powered toothbrush has added advantages of improved oral hygiene compared to manual toothbrush concerning plaque reduction. This can be attributed to predefined power and force which can effectively remove plaque, calculus, and improved gingival health.

Robot and mechanical testing of a specialist manual toothbrush for cleaning efficacy and improved force control.

BACKGROUND: Toothbrushes require flexibility to access all dental surfaces and remove plaque effectively, but they should also aim to prevent or limit overbrushing and consequent damage to teeth and gums. In two studies, the physical properties and cleaning performance of specialist test toothbrushes with flexible necks were compared to a reference rigid-necked toothbrush. METHODS: In Study 1, a universal testing machine (Instron E 10,000) with a specially designed setup was used to test the deflection behaviour of toothbrush head and neck. Untufted toothbrushes were fixed in a custom holder and force was applied to the head while the deflection was measured. In Study 2, one control and five test toothbrushes were assessed using a robot system to simulate the cleaning of artificial plaque from defined surfaces of artificial replicated human teeth in a model oral cavity (typodonts). RESULTS: Study 1 showed that the flexible-neck toothbrush deflected 2 to 2.5 times more than the rigid-neck reference toothbrush when same force was applied to the toothbrush head. Study 2 revealed that all five test toothbrushes showed statistically superior simulated plaque removal to the reference toothbrush. This superiority was observed for all test toothbrushes employing horizontal and rotating brushing action (all p = 0.001) but only three of the five toothbrushes when vertical brushing was employed (all p = 0.001). Cleaning efficacy of the test toothbrushes was demonstrated both interdentally and at the gumline locations. The Complete Protection toothbrush showed the most effective cleaning performance followed by the Repair and Protect and Rapid Relief toothbrushes. CONCLUSION: The addition of a flexible-neck component to the toothbrush designs helped to reduce stiffness and may allow more effective cleaning compared to rigid designs with controlled force distribution on the teeth and gums. This may help to provide plaque control at all potential risk areas in an in vitro robot model and could support good oral hygiene in-use.

Accidentally Swallowing a Toothbrush in a Patient during a Vomiting Attempt: Literature Review and Case Report.

Swallowing a whole toothbrush is a rare event. As of today, no case described has documented that the foreign body has passed through the entire gastrointestinal tract and has been spontaneously eliminated. Places where it is most frequently retained have been described. Only in one single case described did the foreign body reach the colon. We describe the main injuries caused by this foreign body, and the most common correct therapeutic approach for solving the problem. The third case in the literature is presented, with diagnosis and treatment of a woman who, in an attempt to induce vomiting, swallowed a toothbrush which became lodged in her stomach. The patient, at the time of the examination, only showed abdominal pain and anxiety.

Assessment of Microbial Contamination of a Toothbrush Head with and without a Protective Cover: An Ex Vivo Study.

Introduction: The oral cavity is colonized by various groups of microorganisms. Toothbrushing is a common method of maintaining oral hygiene and, upon regular use, can become heavily contaminated with microorganisms. To avoid contamination of the toothbrush with microorganisms from the external environment, toothbrushes can be protected by a protective cap, the significance of which is unknown. Objectives: To assess the microbial contamination of the toothbrush with and without a protective cap and to find the significance of the same against microbial contamination. Materials and methods: An ex vivo study was conducted in the Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University. A total of 40 toothbrushes were distributed among dental students aged 18-25 years; 20 were protected by a cap, 20 were unprotected, and instructions were given to recap the toothbrush after brushing. After 1 month of regular usage, toothbrushes were collected, and organisms were identified based on Gram's reaction followed by a biochemical test. Results: From the study conducted, it is evident that the microbial contamination of the unprotected toothbrush is higher than that of the toothbrushes that were protected with a cover. How to cite this article: Manohar R, Venkatesan K, Raja S, et al. Assessment of Microbial Contamination of a Toothbrush Head with and without a Protective Cover: An Ex Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(4):455-457.

[Clinical analysis of the cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years after a single brushing]. / Klinicheskii analiz ochishchayushchei effektivnosti zubnykh shchetok razlichnogo tipa u detei 6­15 let posle odnokratnoi chistki zubov.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years after a single tooth brushing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A parallel, randomized, open clinical trial was conducted aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years. The study involved 180 children of both sexes aged 6-15 years, who were divided into 3 age categories: 6-8 years (n=60), 9-11 years (n=60) and 12-15 years (n=60). In each age category, 3 groups of 20 people were randomly formed who received toothbrushes of different types: groups I, IV and VII - a manual brush with a multi-level brush field, groups II, V and VIII - a manual brush with an even brush field, groups III, VI, IX - an electric brush with the technology of reciprocating and pulsating movements. After the dental examination, the children were taught the standard method of brushing their teeth. The cleaning efficiency of toothbrushes was evaluated using the hygiene index PI (S. Turesky, 1970) before and after a single tooth brushing. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare the indicators of one group in dynamics, and the Mann-Whitney test was used to identify differences between groups. RESULTS: A comparative analysis showed that the efficiency of the electric brush in all age groups was significantly higher compared to manual brushes having an even brush field, and in children 12-15 years old it was higher compared to both manual brushes. In the age groups of 6-8 years and 9-11 years, a manual brush with a multi-level brush field, intersecting tufts of bristles and a power projection showed high cleaning efficiency, which did not significantly differ from the indicators of plaque reduction after using an electric brush (Mann-Whitney criterion, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: An electric toothbrush is the most effective means of oral hygiene in children. In children aged 6-8 years, a high cleansing effect was achieved with a manual brush having a multi-level brush field. In the hygienic education of children of this age, it is necessary to pay more attention to the formation of the correct technique of brushing teeth with the help of manual brushes corresponding to age characteristics.

Comparison of Plaque Removal Efficacy with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in 10-14-year-old Visually and Auditory Impaired Children: A Randomized Controlled Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare dental plaque removal efficacy with a manual and powered toothbrush in 10-14 years old visually and auditory impaired children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The proposed study was a randomized controlled study. The ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethical board. The written informed consent for the study was taken from the parents. The 60 participants were categorized into group I: visually impaired (30) and group II: speech and hearing impaired (30) which were again divided into I1 (manual toothbrush) and I2 (powered toothbrush); II1 (manual toothbrush) and II2 (powered toothbrush), respectively. The baseline score was recorded using Turesky-Gilmor-Glickman Modification of The Quigley-Hein plaque Index. The oral prophylaxis was performed and then randomization of the toothbrush group was done with concealed allocation method. The plaque-removal efficacy was evaluated at the end of the 15 days in the visually and hearing-impaired children. RESULTS: The mean score of dental plaque at baseline was 1.44 for the manual toothbrush group and 1.65 for the powered toothbrush group in visually impaired children, respectively. In blind children with a manual toothbrush, the mean score difference was 0.14 while the powered toothbrush showed the mean score difference of 0.30 which is significant. The mean score of dental plaque at baseline was 1.74 for the manual toothbrush group and 1.80 for the powered toothbrush group in auditory impaired children. In auditory impaired children with manual toothbrushes, the mean score difference was 0.15 while the powered toothbrush showed the mean score of 0.32 which was significant. CONCLUSION: Dental plaque reduction was significantly better with the powered toothbrush as compared to a manual toothbrush in visually and auditory impaired children. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Patel NG, Bargale S, Shah S, et al. Comparison of Plaque Removal Efficacy with Powered and Manual Toothbrushes in 10-14-year-old Visually and Auditory Impaired Children: A Randomized Controlled Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):364-368.

Efectividad del cepillo dental eléctrico versus manual para la remoción de biofilm en pacientes con síndrome de Down / Effectiveness of electric versus manual toothbrush for biofilm removal in patients with Down syndrome

Introducción: La salud oral en pacientes con síndrome de Down (SD) es un reto, ya que las alteraciones en la motricidad ocasionadas por la discapacidad intelectual (DI) hacen que tareas como la remoción del biofilm oral o placa dentobacteriana (PDB) con el cepillado sea deficiente. La efectividad de los cepillos eléctricos (CE) comparada con los manuales (CM) en afectados con SD sigue siendo un tema debatible ya que no se ha encontrado una homogeneidad de resultados. Es conveniente mayor investigación sobre el tema, debido a que el SD es considerada la alteración cromosómica más frecuente y la causa principal de DI en el mundo. Objetivo: Conocer la efectividad del CE en comparación con el CM para la remoción de PDB en pacientes mexicanos con SD de entre seis y 14 años. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal experimental, con emparejamiento de sujetos con SD de ambos géneros según la edad (seis a 14 años), asignando el cepillo a utilizar (grupo 1 CM o grupo 2 CE). Se realizó educación dental y método de cepillado con la técnica de Fones, así como control de PDB antes y después el efectuado por medio del índice de O'Leary durante tres días. Se analizaron los resultados utilizando estadística descriptiva e inferencial (prueba de normalidad Lilliefors, prueba t para variables independientes y dependientes). Se aceptó un análisis de significancia p < 0.05. Resultados: La utilización de la t para muestras independientes presentó una mejoría en incremento de dicho marcador de O'Leary en el conjunto total en los tres días de seguimiento respectivamente (t = 6.9, p < 0.00002; t = 8.4, p < 0.00000; y t = 9.5, p < 0.00000). Al comparar por prueba t aplicada a muestras dependientes el índice de O'Leary basal versus cada una de las evaluaciones de seguimiento también se observaron diferencias significativas en los dos conjuntos (grupo 1: p = 0.003, p = 0.0006 y p = 0.0017; grupo 2: p = 0.007, p = 0.0006 y p = 0.0002). Conclusión: La instrucción dental y motivación del paciente fueron determinantes hacia el buen desempeño del cepillado de los dientes y remoción de placa en el par de colectivos, es decir, la reafirmación de la técnica de Fones incrementa gradualmente la mejoría de la forma de uso del cepillo en niños con SD. Ambos métodos con CM y con CE fueron efectivos a fin de remover significativamente la placa, observándose una mayor mejoría en el grupo con CE, sugiriendo que éste disminuye la dificultad de la higiene bucal en personas con SD. Esta línea de investigación es importante en el beneficio de la condición oral de esta población (AU)

Introduction: Oral health in patients having Down syndrome (DS) is a challenge since the changes in motor skills caused by intellectual disability (ID) deteriorate tasks such as the removal of biofilm or dental plaque (DP) with brushing. The effectiveness of electric toothbrushes (ET) compared to manual toothbrushes (MT) in DS patients remains debatable since no homogeneity of results has been found. Further research on the subject is advisable as DS is considered the most frequent chromosomal alteration and the leading cause of ID in the world. Objective: To know the effectiveness of the ET in contrast to the MT for the removal of DP in Mexican DS patients between six and 14 years old. Material and methods: Experimental cross-sectional study, with the pairing of DS subjects of both genders according to age (six to 14 years), assigning the brush to be used (group 1 MT or group 2 ET). Dental education and brushing were performed employing the Fones technique and DP control before and after brushing employing the O'Leary index for three days. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Lilliefors normality test, t-test for independent and dependent variables). A significance test p < 0.05 was accepted. Results: The t-test for independent samples showed an improvement in the increase of the O'Leary index in the complete group in the three days of follow-up respectively (t = 6.9, p < 0.00002; t = 8.4, p < 0.00000; and t = 9.5, p < 0.00000). When comparing by t-test for dependent samples the baseline O'Leary index versus each of the follow-up evaluations, significant differences were also observed in both groups (group 1: p = 0.003, p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0017; group 2: p = 0.007, p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0002). Conclusion: The dental education and motivation of the patient were decisive for the good performance of tooth brushing and removal of the plaque in both groups. The reaffirmation of the Fones technique gradually increases the improvement of the brushing technique in DS children. Both brushings using MT and ET were effective in removing the biofilm significantly. However, a greater improvement was observed in the group with ET, suggesting that it reduces their difficulty with tooth brushing. This line of research is important to benefit the oral condition of this population (AU)

Effect of a sonic toothbrush on the abrasive dentine wear using toothpastes with different abrasivity values.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of a sonic toothbrush on the resulting abrasive dentine wear using toothpastes with different abrasivities compared to the use of a manual toothbrush. METHODS: Ninety-six bovine dentine samples were divided into six groups and subjected to a brushing sequence (sonic: 20 min, 0.9 N, 10 strokes/min; manual: 20 min, 1.6 N, 60 strokes/min) as follows: group 1: Elmex Sensitive Plus (RDA = 28) + manual toothbrush; group 2: Elmex Sensitive + sonic toothbrush; group 3: Elmex Kariesschutz (RDA = 65) + manual toothbrush; group 4: Elmex Kariesschutz +sonic toothbrush; group 5: Colgate Total Original (RDA = 121) + manual toothbrush; and group 6: Colgate Total Original +sonic toothbrush. The abrasive dentine wear was measured profilometrically. RESULTS: The median (IQR) abrasive dentine wear was as follows: Elmex Sensitive Plus (manual toothbrush: 2.7 µm (0.8), sonic toothbrush: 3.1 µm (1.9)); Elmex Kariesschutz (manual toothbrush: 4.9 µm (1.4), sonic toothbrush: 6.4 µm (2.1)); and Colgate Total Original (manual toothbrush: 5.2 µm (1.1), sonic toothbrush: 9.0 µm (3.1)). Differences in dentine wear between sonic and manual toothbrushes were statistically significant only in the groups brushed with Elmex Kariesschutz and Colgate Total Original (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Brushing with a sonic toothbrush could result in a higher abrasive dentine wear compared to manual toothbrush when combined with toothpastes with high abrasivity values.

Clinical comparison of an electric-powered ionic toothbrush and a manual toothbrush in plaque reduction: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of a newly developed electric-powered ionic toothbrush vs. a manual toothbrush. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Manual or electric-powered ionic toothbrushes were randomly assigned to 30 healthy volunteers divided into two groups (Phase I). After 2 min of brushing, all tooth surfaces were stained with a plaque staining solution, and blinded examiners performed scoring using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index. Plaque removal rate was calculated at the central incisors, first premolar and first molar, as representative teeth, in the maxilla and mandibula. One week following Phase I, the same examinations were repeated in all subjects using another toothbrush (Phase II), as a crossover design. RESULTS: Electric ionic toothbrushes demonstrated a significantly higher plaque removal rate than manual toothbrushes in the premolar and molar areas (p < .05). However, in the central incisor area, no statistically significant difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with manual toothbrushes, electric-powered ionic ones were significantly efficient in removing plaque in the premolar and molar areas.

Randomised clinical study of plaque removal efficacy of an electric toothbrush in primary and mixed dentition.

BACKGROUND: Clinical investigations of electric toothbrushes in young children are limited. AIM: To assess plaque reduction efficacy of an oscillating-rotating electric versus manual toothbrush in a paediatric population in primary and mixed dentitions. DESIGN: In this randomised, single-brushing, 2-treatment, 4-period, replicate-use crossover study, subjects were divided into 2 age groups (3-6 years; 7-9 years) and assigned to a treatment sequence involving an Oral-B Kids electric brush and a manual brush control. Plaque was assessed pre- and post-brushing (Turesky Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index). Parents brushed the teeth of their children aged 3-6 years, whereas children aged 7-9 years brushed their own teeth under supervision. Plaque removal scores were analysed for brush differences in each age group separately using an analysis of covariance for crossover design. RESULTS: Forty-one children (n = 20, 3-6 years; n = 21, 7-9 years) completed the study. For the primary dentition in children 3-6 years, the electric brush reduced 32.3% more plaque than the manual brush (P = .005). For the mixed dentition in children 7-9 years, the electric brush reduced 51.9% more plaque than the manual brush (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: An electric toothbrush reduced significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush in 2 paediatric age groups.

Factors Associated with Dental Plaque, Gingivitis, and Caries in a Pediatric Population: A Records-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated dental records of 1000 healthy children to determine factors associated with plaque, gingivitis, and caries. A logistic model for plaque and gingivitis (mild versus moderate/severe) and caries (yes/no) was carried out separately for each variable using the following potential factors: Age, Gender, Brush Type, Starting Age of Brushing, Brushing Frequency, and Bite Type. Data from 998 children (median age: 4 years, 10 months (range: 2.5-7 years)) were analyzed. Sixty-four percent were manual toothbrush users; 36% were oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush users. For plaque and gingivitis, but not caries, Brush Type was more impactful than Brushing Frequency. Age influenced the severity of plaque and gingivitis, with increases in the odds of having moderate/severe plaque or gingivitis associated with increasing age. The probability of caries increased until approximately age 5 and then decreased until age 7. Oscillating-rotating brush users were more likely to present with less plaque, gingivitis, and caries, with 6.0, 5.1, and 1.4 times greater odds of having mild (versus moderate/severe) plaque, less severe gingivitis, and being caries-free, respectively, than manual brush users. Similarly, brushing twice daily and starting brushing at an earlier age were associated with better oral health outcomes. Children with anterior bite abnormalities had increased odds of developing moderate/severe plaque and gingivitis than children with normal anterior bites. Gender was not a statistically significant factor associated with plaque, gingivitis, or caries. Children's oral health is influenced by toothbrush type, starting age of brushing, compliance with twice-daily brushing, and bite abnormalities.

A comparative evaluation of manual and powered brushing on oral health and microbial status of mentally challenged individuals.

BACKGROUND: Tooth brushing is a very simple and effective method for removing daily dental deposits and for preventing dental and periodontal diseases. In physically or mentally challenged person, there arises difficulty in oral hygiene maintenance so that oral hygiene methods may need to be simplified or modified to suit the individual situation. METHODOLOGY: Thirty individuals of age group 15-30 years with mild to moderate degree of mental retardation were selected. A randomized double-blind split-mouth design with Clinical Phase-i (aided brushing) and Clinical Phase-ii (unaided brushing) with a washout period of 3 days was conducted. The study duration was for 0-45 days. Two types of brushing that is manual and powered brushing were done. The recording of all clinical and microbial parameters were done on 0th day and 21st day while the clinical parameters were recorded up to 45th day. RESULTS: On intragroup comparison, throughout the study phases, both manual and powered brushing significantly reduced the Quigley-Hein plaque index (48%), gingival bleeding index (GBI) (44%), and modified gingival index (52%). The Pearson correlation between GBI and periodontal pathogens like Prevotella internedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum showed statistically significant relation (P < 0.05) in powered brushing group. CONCLUSION: Powered toothbrush was more effective than manual toothbrush in reducing plaque levels and microbial count in the mentally challenged individuals. The Colgate 360 tooth brush is advisable to mentally challenged individuals.

Comparative evaluation of tooth surface roughness caused by three different powered toothbrushes and a novel manual toothbrush -An SEM and AFM study.

BACKGROUND: Toothbrush is the most frequently used tool for mechanical plaque control. Variety of manual and powered toothbrushes are available in the market, and it is often a dilemma for a common man that which one to choose among the wide range. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the tooth surface roughness caused by three different powered toothbrushes. METHOD: In total, 160 samples comprising of 80 enamel and cementum each were equally and randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 multi-directional powered toothbrushing; Group 2 oscillating/rotating/pulsating powered tooth brushing; Group 3 sonic powered tooth brushing; and Group 4 manual tooth brushing. They were further sub-divided equally into Control and Test. The Test samples were brushed for 2 min every day for a period of 1 month. The prepared samples were evaluated for surface roughness using scanning electron microscope at 1000 × magnification and atomic force microscope at the nanoscale. RESULT: A statistically significant difference was seen in the enamel and cementum roughness between multi-directional tooth brush group and sonic (P = 0.00); multi-directional tooth brush group and manual tooth brush group (P = 0.00); oscillating tooth brush group and sonic group (P = 0.00); oscillating tooth brush group and manual tooth brush group (P = 0.00); and sonic group and manual tooth brush group (P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: The surface microroughness caused by tooth brushing was found to be least using multi-directional and oscillating/rotational/pulsating powered toothbrush, followed by sonic powered toothbrush and maximum in manual toothbrush.