Effect of Sonic Toothbrushes on Plaque Removal and Gingival Abrasion

Objectives: Evaluate efficacy and safety of the Philips Sonicare Elite 7000 (PSE7) and Oral-B Sonic Complete (OSC) toothbrushes in a short-term clinical study. Methods: A randomized crossover, examiner-blinded study was conducted in 60 adults (43 females, 17 males; Turesky modified Quigley-Hein plaque index (TPI)≥1.8 at screening). All subjects signed the MEC approved consent form. At Visit 1, subjects received their assigned brush and Prodent Soft Mint fluoride toothpaste. They were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes during the 1-week familiarization period. Before attending Visit 2, subjects refrained from oral hygiene for 24 hours. At Visit 2, TPI and gingival abrasions were scored before and after a 2-minute supervised brushing exercise. Subjects were scheduled for Visit 3 and given the other toothbrush, to be used for the second familiarization period. The no oral hygiene period, and sequence and types of examinations at Visit 3 were as described for Visit 2. ANOVA was used to determine whether there were differences between treatments. Results: Significantly smaller TPI scores were observed for PSE7 post treatment overall, on posterior teeth, and in interproximal areas. Respective TPI scores (mean ± s.e.) were 1.18±0.024 and 1.33±0.024 (p<0.001), 1.49±0.031 and 1.71±0.030 (p<0.001), 1.27±0.027 and 1.42±0.026 (p<0.001). Expressing the data as percent TPI reduction produced similar results. No difference in gingival abrasion frequency was found between the toothbrushes. Conclusions: PSE7 removed significantly more plaque than OSC, especially in hard to reach areas. Both toothbrushes were safe and gentle on gingival tissues.