Comparison of Efficacy of 3D Electric and Manual Toothbrushes.

Objectives: This study compared the ability to remove plaque and cause gingival abrasion between an electric and a manual toothbrush over three months.
Methods: This study is a randomized, double-blind, parallel-assignment clinical study. Forty (40) dental students from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens were included, equally divided into two groups. Each group received a manual (Indicator 35 Medium, Oral B) or an electric toothbrush (Pro 600, Oral B). Quigley & Hein plaque index and gingival abrasions were recorded using the revealing solution (Mira-2-Ton, Hager & Werken) at baseline (T0), after 7 days (T1), and after 3 months (T2). ICDAS clinical caries criteria and the wear of the used toothbrushes were also recorded.
Results: The gingival abrasion index was higher for the manual toothbrush group than the corresponding electric one (p<0.01). On the contrary, the plaque index was statistically significantly higher for the electric than for the manual toothbrush (p=0.028). A correlation was also found between gender and gingival abrasions (p<0.05). No difference was observed between right- and left-handed participants in the dependent variables.
Conclusions: The manual toothbrush of moderate hardness was more effective in controlling the local agent than the corresponding electric one for 3 months. However, the electric toothbrush led to less gum abrasion. Men also tend to injure the soft periodontal tissues more when brushing