Comparative Efficacy of Two Power Toothbrushes on Plaque

Objective: Compare the plaque removal efficacy of Philips Sonicare FlexCare (PSF) and National Doltz (NDT) power toothbrushes (models EW1037/45) Methods: Two randomized, examiner-blinded studies were conducted in populations of healthy adults. At V1 subjects were screened for eligibility after 24 hours of plaque accumulation (Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TPI) ≥ at least 1.8). Subjects were randomized to the assigned power toothbrush and instructed on its use (twice daily for 2 minutes). Study products were used for a 1-week familiarization period. Subjects abstained from oral hygiene for 24 hours prior to evaluation visits, when TPI was scored before and after a 2-minute supervised brushing exercise with the assigned toothbrush. Safety was assessed in oral soft tissue examinations at all visits. A regression model in one study and a linear mixed effects model in another were used for statistical analysis. Results: 149 subjects total (105 females, 44 males; mean age 39 years) were enrolled and randomized. In both studies, PSF removed significantly more plaque than NDT from dentition overall and in hard to reach areas such as interproximal surfaces (p<0.0001). No serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: Two independently conducted studies indicate that PSF removes significantly more plaque than NDT overall and in hard-to-reach areas in subjects with 24-hour plaque deposits. Both toothbrushes were safe on oral tissues. This research was supported by Philips Oral Healthcare.