Comparative Efficacy of Two High Frequency Power Toothbrushes on Plaque

Objective: Compare the plaque removal efficacy of Philips Sonicare FlexCare (PSF) and Ultreo (ULT) power toothbrushes with ultrasonic function active and disabled. Methods: A randomized, examiner-blinded crossover design study was conducted in a population of healthy adults. ULT was tested with and without a functioning ultrasonic feature while still maintaining bristle frequency and amplitude. Subjects abstained from oral hygiene for 24 hours prior to all visits. At V1 subjects were screened for eligibility (Turesky modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TPI)³1.9). Subjects were randomized to the assigned toothbrush and instructed on its use (twice daily for 2 minutes). Each study product was used at home for 1-week of familiarization. At subsequent visits, TPI was scored before and after a 2-minute supervised brushing with the assigned toothbrush. Safety was assessed in oral soft tissue examinations at all visits. A mixed effects model was used for statistical analysis. Results: 38 subjects were enrolled (26 females, 12 males; mean age 38 years) and randomized. Post minus pre brushing percent reduction for PSF and ULT with ultrasonic function active and disabled was 42%, 31% and 30% overall, 36%, 26% and 25% for posterior and 40%, 27% and 26% for interproximal respectively. Percent reduction was statistically significant (p<0.001) for each region for PSF vs. ULT active and disabled. All products were found safe on oral hard and soft tissues. Conclusions: PSF removed significantly more plaque than ULT with and without ultrasonic function in subjects with 24-hour plaque deposits. No significant difference in plaque removal was found between ULT with and without ultrasonic function. All toothbrushes were safe on oral tissues. This research was supported by Philips Oral Healthcare.