Stain removal efficacy of two manual toothbrushes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dental stain removal efficacy of two commercially-available manual toothbrushes. METHODS: This was a randomized, examiner-blind, parallel-group, two treatment clinical trial of 2 weeks duration. Subjects qualifying for the study had a mean Modified Lobene Stain Index of ≥ 1.5 on at least two anterior teeth. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups, receiving a test manual toothbrush (Oral-B 3D White Radiant) or a positive control (PC) manual brush to be used for 1 minute, twice daily for 2 weeks with a standard, anti-cavity fluoride dentifrice. Subjects were given written and verbal instructions, and the first use was supervised at the baseline visit. Stain was measured at baseline and after 2 weeks of product use. Stain measurements were conducted using the Modified Lobene Stain Index (MLSI) and the Interproximal Modified Lobene Stain Index (IMLSI). RESULTS: Use of the two manual brushes resulted in statistically significant reductions of surface stain relative to baseline after 2 weeks of use. The mean MLSI composite stain reductions versus baseline were 1.37 for White Radiant and 0.87 for PC (P < 0.001 for both). Using the IMLSI, the mean stain reductions for composite, gingival and interproximal regions were 1.68, 1.20 and 1.68 for White Radiant (P < 0.001) and 1.25, 0.97 and 1.43 for PC (P ≤ 0.002). ANCOVA yielded statistically significant between group differences, with greater composite stain removal observed for White Radiant using both indices (P ≤ 0.025).