Superior Plaque Removal of Oscillation-Rotation Toothbrush With New Brush Head

Objectives: This clinical study was conducted to evaluate plaque removal efficacy of an oscillating-rotating rechargeable power brush equipped with a new sensitive brush head with tapered bristles compared to a manual toothbrush.
Methods: This study was a randomized, examiner-blind, 2-treatment, 4-period crossover design, with plaque removal evaluated for two toothbrushes: Oral-B Vitality with newly designed sensitive brush head, Sensi UltraThin (OBV), and ADA manual brush (ADA), where each subject evaluated each toothbrush twice and each assessment was following a single brushing. Thirty-six subjects completed the study and were included in the statistical analysis. Subjects were randomized to one of four treatment sequences. Plaque was evaluated before and after brushing using the Turesky Modified Quigley and Hein Plaque Index (TQHPI). Both groups used standard fluoridated toothpaste (Crest Cavity Protection) for each use. Toothbrushing was performed following manufacturer's usage instructions (OBV), or as subjects would normally do (ADA). Statistical analyses were carried out using an analysis of covariance for a crossover design with pre-brushing plaque score as the covariate.
Results: Baseline whole mouth plaque scores were 2.385 and 2.380 for OBV and ADA, respectively, and were not statistically different (p=0.766). The adjusted mean plaque reduction (pre-brushing minus post-brushing) was 1.799 for OBV and 1.170 for ADA. Between brush comparisons showed that OBV provided statistically significantly higher plaque reduction (53.8%) than the ADA brush (p<0.001).
Conclusions: The oscillating-rotating rechargeable power brush with novel sensitive brush head design removed statistically significant more plaque as compared to a manual toothbrush control. Both brushes were well tolerated.