Clinical study of the effectiveness of two sonic toothbrushes

The aim of this study was to determine the oral hygiene effects of two sonic toothbrushes, the Water Pik Sonic Speed (W) and Sonicare (S), compared to a manual toothbrush (Elmex Super 39, E). Thirty-six healthy volunteers between 13 and 69 years of age participated in this single-blind, crossover study. They were randomly assigned to three groups, with 12 participants each. Two weeks after a screening examination, a baseline examination was performed for each participant followed by professional tooth cleaning. Three indices were recorded to assess the oral hygiene status: a papillary bleeding index (PBI), a plaque index for smooth surfaces (PI) and a plaque index for approximal surfaces (API). After instructions on how to use the toothbrushes, each group started the experiment with a different type of toothbrush. After two weeks of application, the indices were recorded a second time. This was followed by two weeks of recess, where each participant used the same brand of manual toothbrush, and then before each group switched to the next toothbrush, participants had another baseline examination and professional tooth cleaning. The three types of brushes were used in the following order: S, E, W; recess; E, W, S; recess; W, S, E. The duration of the study was 12 weeks. A single investigator performed all examinations. The Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for statistical analysis. Compared to the manual toothbrush the Sonic Speed and the Sonicare were more effective in removing plaque and preventing gingivitis. The study indicated that the two sonic toothbrushes may be effective alternatives to a commonly used manual toothbrush.