Laboratory Interproximal and Subgingival Access Efficacy of Nine Toothbrush Products

Objectives: Toothbrush bristle interproximal (IAE) and subgingival (SAE) publications predict clinical plaque reduction and gingivitis improvement. Multitufted flat bristled toothbrushes were used as controls. The purpose of these IAE and SAE studies was to compare the efficacy of G.U.M. Technique PRO to eight toothbrushes with various bristle configurations.
Methods: Toothbrushes tested were: Colgate Slim Soft (CS), CURAPROX 1560 (C), elmex inter X (e) , G.U.M. Technique PRO (G), Inava 20/100 (I), meridol (m), Oral-B PRO-EXPERT (O), TePe Select (T), and VITIS Suave Access (V). For IAE, simulated anterior and posterior teeth, vertical and horizontal brushing, 250 g, 15 secs (n=24). Maximum width (IAE) of removed artificial plaque was determined. For SAE, products aligned with simulated gingival papillae, posterior teeth, horizontal brushing, 500 g, 15 secs (n=24). Maximum plaque distance removed under gingival margin (SAE) was determined. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey for multiple comparisons.
Results:

Means and standard deviations are shown in the table below:

For IAE, mean differences greater than 0.07 cm were significant (p < 0.05). For SAE, differences greater than 0.38 mm were significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: In the studies conducted, the G.U.M. Technique PRO toothbrush was statistically superior to each of the other toothbrushes tested (p< 0.05). Clinical studies are warranted using a variety of control toothbrushes.