A Randomized Crossover Trial Assessing Plaque Regrowth Dynamics in Adults With Use of an Oscillating-Rotating Electric Toothbrush Versus a Manual Toothbrush Measured by Digital Plaque Image Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This randomized crossover trial involving adult participants with ≥ 10% plaque coverage on anterior teeth compared dental plaque regrowth dynamics between an oscillating-rotating (O-R) electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush using Digital Plaque Imaging Analysis.

Material and methods: Thirty-four participants were randomized to one of 4 treatment sequences, each having four 8-day treatment periods. Participants brushed twice daily with the assigned toothbrush. Morning and afternoon plaque were evaluated on Days 1, 3, and 8. The primary variable was afternoon percent plaque coverage, using repeated measures analysis from Days 1, 3, and 8.

Results: The O-R toothbrush produced lower mean plaque levels versus the manual toothbrush for all endpoints (p ≤ 0.001). The benefit for the O-R toothbrush increased over time, demonstrating 16.4% (p = 0.001) and 28.1% (p < 0.001) lower afternoon plaque levels on Days 1 and 8, respectively, compared to the manual brush. Trends were similar for morning plaque. Repeated measures analyses showed a 21.2% reduction in overall afternoon plaque and a 23.5% reduction in overall morning plaque for the O-R brush versus the manual brush (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The O-R toothbrush controlled plaque regrowth better than a manual toothbrush and should be considered to reduce plaque-related diseases as part of a generalized prophylaxis and treatment plan.

Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN 28649560.

Keywords: dental plaque; digital imaging; electric toothbrush; oscillating‐rotating.