The Effect of Power Toothbrushing on Surface Plaque Biofilm

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Philips Sonicare 2-Series (PS2S) and Manual Toothbrushing (MTB) on plaque biofilm reduction following 2 weeks of home use.
Methods: This IRB approved, randomized, single-blinded parallel design study was conducted in 133 healthy adults (mean age 40.7 years, 103 females/30 males). Eligible subjects were non-smokers, aged 18-65 years, with > 1.8 per Lobene and Soparker Modified Plaque Index (MPI) following a 3-6 hour plaque accumulation period. Enrolled subjects received baseline MPI, Oral Soft Tissue assessment and were then randomly allocated to use either PS2S or ADA Reference MTB twice daily with Crest Cool Mint Gel toothpaste for a period of 14 days. All other oral hygiene cleaning modalities were prohibited during the home use period. Randomization was balanced by gender. Subjects returned to clinic at Day 14 again observing a 3-6 hour plaque accumulation period for repeat efficacy and safety assessments. Subjects were then dismissed from the study.

Results: For MPI, Overall LSMeans(SE) Baselines values were 2.68(0.05) for PS2S and 2.65(0.05) for MTB, p-value = 0.590. At Day14 Overall MPI LSMean(SE) for PS2S was2.09(0.04), and for MTB Overall MPI was 2.60(0.04). The observed difference between products was statistically significant, p-value <0.001.

One Adverse Event was reported, mild in severity and unrelated to study products.

Conclusions: PS2S power toothbrush was significantly more effective at reducing surface plaque biofilm versus MTB following a 2-week home use period.

Both products were safe for use.