Effect of electric, ultrasonic and manual toothbrushes on biofilm removal and gingivitis control: in vitro and parallel randomized controlled clinical trial study
For the in vitro analyses, thirty bovine dentin specimens were submitted to a 3-month brushing simulation (9 minutes) with the three types of toothbrushes (n = 10). Subsequently, a randomized controlled clinical trial was performed with 36 patients divided into 3 groups according to the toothbrushes used (n = 12). Gingival index, visible plaque index and the volume of crevicular fluid were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after the beginning of the toothbrush use. Furthermore, the performance of the biofilm removal per brushing cycle of 1 and 3 minutes with each toothbrush was made monthly until the end of the experiment.
Results:
The US group had the highest dentin wear. Clinically, the US group had a lower plaque index at 3 months than the M group. The M group also showed less biofilm removal efficiency from the second month of follow-up and more worn bristles at the end of the 3 month period than the E and US groups.
Conclusion:
The ultrasonic, electric and manual toothbrushes showed no differences in gingivitis control in the present study. The ultrasonic and electric toothbrushes had a more significant effect on biofilm removal than a manual toothbrush, but the ultrasonic toothbrush promoted greater dentintissue wear