Plaque Removal Efficacy of an Electric Toothbrush: a Comparative Study

Objectives: To investigate the plaque removal efficacy of a new oscillating-rotating toothbrush (Oral-B Professional Care 8500; PC 8500, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH) in comparison with two manual toothbrushes (Oral-B CrossAction Vitalizer [CAV] and Oral-B Indicator [IND], Procter & Gamble) and to assess the safety of PC 8500. Methods: A single-use, observer-masked, cross-over clinical trial was conducted. A total of 30 subjects (mean age: 28.1±6.73; range: 19-41 years), who were not trained to any toothbrushing technique, were enrolled in the study. All subjects were asked to refrain from brushing for 23-25 hours before each clinical examination. Subjects were randomly assigned into one of three treatment sequence groups. Plaque scores were recorded before and after brushing with the allocated toothbrush, using the Turesky et al. (1970) plaque index. The PC 8500 safety was assessed evaluating the soft tissue conditions found after 30 days of use. Results: PC 8500 and CAV were more effective in plaque removal efficacy than IND (Full Mouth: P<0.0001; buccal surfaces: P=0.0006; approximal surfaces: P<0.0001; marginal surfaces: P=0.0019). In lingual surfaces, PC 8500 was more effective than CAV and IND (P=0.0006). Three small gingival abrasions were found in three subjects after 30 days of use of PC 8500. Conclusions: The PC 8500 was shown to be effective in plaque removal and to be safe after single brushing and over 30 days of use.