Plaque Effects of a Power Brush, Paste and Floss Combination

Objectives: This pilot study evaluated partial and whole mouth clinical plaque effects of a combination regimen involving a power brush, antimicrobial dentifrice and floss. Methods: A 3-month randomized, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the plaque effects of a combination daily oral hygiene regimen versus positive and negative controls. 115 adults were assigned to a rotation-oscillation power brush (Oral-B® Triumph™) with 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice (Crest® Pro-Health™) and unwaxed floss (Oral-B), prophylaxis followed by a regular dentifrice (Crest Cavity Protection) and ADA manual brush (positive control), or regular dentifrice (Crest Cavity Protection) and ADA manual brush (negative control). Disclosed plaque was measured on the facial anterior and whole mouth sites after 1 & 3 months using a standard method (MQH), while safety was assessed from examination and interview. Results: 109 subjects (mean age of 42.3 years) completed the 12-week study. At Month 1, adjusted mean (SE) MQH plaque scores were 2.19 (0.079) in the combination group, compared to 2.63 (0.076) and 2.56 (0.080) in the positive and negative control groups, respectively. Outcomes were similar at Month 3, with MQH adjusted means of 1.86 (power combination), 2.36 (prophylaxis) and 2.33 (regular). At both times, the combination group had significantly (p<0.001) less plaque accumulation than either control. Comparative anterior facial plaque response was similar with treatments differing significantly (p=0.002) at Week 12, favoring the combination regimen. Conclusion: The combination regimen involving a rotation-oscillation power brush with 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice and floss yielded a significant 20% reduction in 12-week plaque accumulation relative to prophylaxis and regular brushing.