Superior anti-gingivitis effect of a rechargeable power toothbrush

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-gingivitis effect of a rechargeable power toothbrush relative to a manual toothbrush using a gingivitis treatment model. Methods: This was a randomized, single blind, single center, two-leg, three-month controlled clinical study. One hundred and forty three healthy adult subjects with gingivitis were enrolled into the study. Baseline visit involved clinical examination using Mazza gingival index, an inflammation and bleeding combined index. Subjects were then randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: a rechargeable power toothbrush that features an oscillating/rotating/pulsating action (Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000^®) and a manual toothbrush (Lion Dentor Systema^®). The power toothbrush was used following manufacturer's usage instruction (2 minutes, twice daily). Subjects used the manual toothbrush as they would normally do (1 minute, twice daily). All subjects used the same regular anti-cavity toothpaste. Clinical gingivitis examination was repeated at month 1, 2, and 3 post baseline visit. ANCOVA was used to compare the change of Mazza GI score from baseline between two groups with baseline as covariates. All comparisons were conducted at two-sided 95% confidence level. Results: Baseline gingivitis scores were balanced between the two treatment groups. The power toothbrush provided statistically significantly greater gingivitis reduction relative to the manual toothbrush as early as month 1 (p<0.01). Similar treatment difference in favor of the power toothbrush was observed at month 2 (p<0.01) and month 3 (p<0.01). Conclusion: The research demonstrated the superior anti-gingivitis effect for the power versus the manual toothbrush. Both treatment groups were well tolerated in the study.