Faculty Bibliography

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of a new power toothbrush (Braun Oral-B D17) with an ADA reference manual toothbrush. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 110 healthy subjects, 18-65 yrs of age, with a mean plaque index of > or = 1.80 and a gingival index of > or = 1.00, were enrolled in this 3-month, randomized, parallel-group, examiner-blind study. Oral soft and hard tissues were examined for safety, and plaque, gingivitis and bleeding were measured to evaluate efficacy. Measurements were made at baseline and after 1 and 3 months of product use. Following the baseline visit and randomization, subjects were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 mins with their assigned brush. RESULTS: 101 subjects completed the study with evaluable data for all time periods, 52 in the D17 group and 49 in the manual group. None of the nine withdrawals from the study were related to product use and no product-related adverse effects were reported. There was no clinically significant soft or hard tissue abrasion observed at any time point in either group. After 1 and 3 months, significant reductions from baseline in whole mouth and interproximal plaque, gingivitis and bleeding were observed in both groups. A comparison of the two groups revealed that the whole mouth and approximal plaque indices were reduced to a significantly greater extent in the D17 group after both 1 and 3 months. The whole mouth gingival index was also reduced to a greater extent in the D17 group at 1 and 3 months, but a difference in the approximal gingival index was only apparent after 3 months. With respect to the bleeding index, there was a significant difference between the two groups for the whole mouth at both 1 and 3 months, but the differences in favor of the D17 for approximal values did not achieve statistical significance. In conclusion, the D17 was found to be safe and had increased efficacy with respect to reduction of plaque and gingivitis, compared with a manual toothbrush.

BACKGROUND: The greater effectiveness of the power toothbrush compared with a manual toothbrush is well-documented. Despite this, acceptance by dental professionals is still low. METHODS: This general practice study evaluated the effectiveness of a power toothbrush (Braun Oral-B Ultra Plaque Remover, Braun GmbH) in 16,903 patients, based on the clinical opinions of dental professionals in regard to patients' changing oral health status. In addition, a survey assessed the attitudes of dental professionals and patients toward the power toothbrush. RESULTS: The power toothbrush was considered by dental professionals to have had a positive effect on the oral health of 80.5 percent of their patients; the noticeable benefits with respect to a number of clinical criteria included plaque removal and improved gingival condition. Most patients in the study (88.9 percent) reported that they would continue using the power toothbrush once the study was completed. At the end of the study, many more dentists and hygienists considered the power toothbrush to be the most effective way of brushing, and almost 70 percent said that they would now be more likely to recommend a power toothbrush to their patients. CONCLUSIONS: The power toothbrush improved the oral health of patients in this practice-based study, and the number of dental professionals who said they would recommend a power toothbrush increased markedly during the study. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Enabling dental professionals to evaluate the effect of a power toothbrush reinforces the findings from controlled clinical studies and increases their awareness of its potential to improve oral hygiene.

PURPOSE: To compare the extrinsic stain-removing properties and the safety of the Braun Oral-B 3D Plaque Remover and the Sonicare Plus electric toothbrush. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, parallel group, investigator-blinded study involved 67 subjects and was conducted over 6 weeks. After recruitment, the subjects received a baseline stain assessment (Lobene stain index) and a soft and hard tissue examination, and were then randomized to use either the Sonicare or the 3D device. All subjects were trained to use both devices, and instructed to brush twice daily with their assigned device for 2 min. The subjects' brushing technique was checked after 2 weeks. After a further 4 weeks, the subjects underwent a final stain assessment and soft and hard tissue examination. A questionnaire was also completed. RESULTS: At 6 weeks, oral hard and soft tissue examinations revealed no abrasion or damage in either group. Both brushes produced significant (P < 0.001) reductions from baseline in total stain score, stain area and intensity, but group comparisons showed that these reductions were significantly (P < 0.001) greater for the 3D device.

BACKGROUND: Although routine interdental cleaning is important and recommended by dental professionals, compliance has been relatively low. To aid in improving compliance, an electrically powered device has been developed. METHODS: This six-month randomized, single-blinded, parallel-group study was conducted to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of a new interdental cleaning device (Braun Oral-B Interclean, model ID2) with those of an ADA-approved waxed dental floss in healthy adults. RESULTS: The authors found no statistically significant difference between the two products with respect to the gingival index or gingival bleeding index after three or six months of use. A one-time product use, at the six-month examination, confirmed the equivalency of the two methods with respect to removal of dental plaque. The oral soft-tissue status of both groups of subjects also remained comparable throughout the study. CONCLUSION: Use of the interdental cleaning device and dental floss resulted in comparable benefits with respect to gingival health and plaque removal. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although it was not shown to be an improvement over dental floss, the cleaning device was comparable in every respect. Since it can be used with one hand and does not require as much dexterity as floss, the device warrants consideration by those who lack the motivation or are unable to use dental floss.