Assessment of Stain Removal Efficacy of Two Marketed Manual Toothbrushes

Objective: This clinical research evaluated stain removal efficacy of two marketed manual toothbrushes. Methods: A total of 30 generally healthy adult volunteers with visible extrinsic stain on the facial surfaces of 2 anterior teeth were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: (1) a manual brush with multi-level bristles (Oral-B® Advantage Complete Whole Mouth Clean) in combination with a regular anticavity toothpaste (Crest® Cavity Protection) and (2) a manual brush with polishing cups (Oral-B® 3-D White Vivid) in combination with a regular anticavity toothpaste (Crest® Cavity Protection). Subjects were instructed to brush twice daily in their customary manner; all products were used for 2 weeks. Stain area and intensity were measured using a standard index (Modified Lobene) at baseline, and after 2 weeks of product use. Results: Out of 30 subjects presented at baseline, all completed the study. Mean (SD) age was 44.9 (11.58) years. Groups were balanced with respect to demographics and Baseline Lobene scores. The baseline mean (SD) composite Lobene stain score was 3.37 (0.940) in the brush with multi-level bristles group and 4.25 (1.464) in the brush with polishing cups group. Both groups exhibited significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in stain area and intensity at the Week 2 study visit. At the end-of-treatment, median percent reduction of the composite Lobene stain score was 58.82 in the brush with multi-level bristles group and 60.00 in the brush with polishing cups group. The two groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.9020) with respect to composite Lobene stain score at the Week 2 study visit. Both treatments were well-tolerated. Conclusion: Two-week use of a marketed manual toothbrush with polishing cups resulted in appreciable removal of extrinsic stain with the magnitude of stain reduction similar to that of a marketed manual toothbrush with multi-level bristles.