The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which Philips Sonicare FlexCare Sensitive Compact Brush Head (CBH), Philips Sonicare Essence Sensitive Brush Head (ERS) and ADA Reference Manual Toothbrush (MTB) differ in single-use plaque reduction efficacy.
Method:
A three-arm, randomized, examiner blinded parallel-design study was conducted in healthy adults aged 18-65 years. At Visit 1, Informed Consent was obtained and subjects were screened. Eligible subjects were manual toothbrush users with a minimum plaque score of >1.8 per Modified Quigley Hein Plaque Index (MQH) examination. Enrolled subjects were randomized to a treatment group and dispensed products for an acclimation period of use, approximately 6 brushings, with either CBH, ERS or MTB. Randomization was balanced by gender. Product acclimation was followed by a wash-out period with MTB for all three groups. Subjects returned for Visit2 efficacy evaluation at Day 7 (± 1 day) with 24 hours plaque accumulation. An MQH score was assessed followed by supervised product use per randomization and post-brushing MQH score. Safety was characterized in intraoral exams and per health history review. A mixed effect linear model was used for statistical analysis.
Result:
One-hundred fifty-five subjects completed the study. Of those, 52 subjects were randomized to MTB, 52 subjects to ERS, and 51 subjects to CBH (103 females, 52 males; mean age 41.8 years). LS Mean(SE) V2 pre-brushing MQH scores were 2.8(0.05) for MTB, 2.8(0.05) for ERS and 2.9(0.05) for CBH. Post brushing LS Mean(SE) MQH scores were 2.2(0.05) for MTB, 1.6(0.05) for ERS and 1.5(0.05) for CBH. The observed changes were also consistent in sub-region analysis (anterior, posterior, interproximal). Comparisons between the power toothbrushing products versus MTB were statistically significant.
Conclusion:
The power toothbrushes, CBH and ERS, were statistically significantly superior to manual toothbrush in reducing surface plaque. All products were safe for use.