An Evaluation of Power Toothbrushing on Gingivitis and Plaque Biofilm

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Philips Sonicare 3-Series (PS3S) and Manual Toothbrushing (MTB) on gum health and plaque following 4 weeks of home use.
Methods: This IRB approved, randomized, single-blinded parallel design study was conducted in 132 healthy adults (mean age 43.0 years, 89 females/43 males). Eligible subjects were non-smokers, aged 18-65 years, with > 1.8 per Lobene and Soparker Modified Plaque Index (MPI) and at least 20 sites of bleeding per Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). Enrolled subjects received baseline MPI, GBI, Modified Gingival Index (MGI) and Safety examinations. They were then randomly allocated to use either PS2S or ADA Reference MTB twice daily for a period of 28 days. Randomization was balanced by gender. Subjects returned to clinic at an interim time point of 14 days and then at 28 days for efficacy and safety evaluations.

Results: For MGI, Overall LSMeans(SE) Baseline values were 2.10(0.04) for PS3S and 2.03(0.04) for MTB. At Days 14 and 28 respectively, outcomes for PS3S were 1.39(0.03) and 1.27(0.03), and for MTB, outcomes were 1.88(0.03) and 1.82(0.03).

For GBI, Overall LSMeans(SE) Baseline values were 0.35(0.02) for PS3S and 0.32(0.02) for MTB. At Days 14 and 28 respectively, outcomes for PS3S were 0.20(0.01) and 0.17(0.01), and for MTB outcomes were 0.34(0.01) and 0.33(0.01).

For MPI, Overall LSMeans(SE) Baselines values were 2.79(0.05) for PS3S and 2.80(0.05) for MTB. At Days 14 and 28 respectively, outcomes for PS3S were 2.28(0.04) and 2.18(0.04), and for MTB outcomes were 2.68(0.04) and 2.72(0.04).

The observed differences between products for each metric and time point were statistically significant.

Eight adverse events were reported, 4 per group. Each event was deemed mild and unrelated to study products.

Conclusions: PS3S power toothbrush was significantly more effective at improving gum health and reducing plaque versus MTB.

Both products were safe for use.