A six-week study comparing the efficacy of a rotary electric toothbrush with a conventional toothbrush

The rotary electric toothbrush, Rota-dent, is often recommended and used as an alternative to the conventional toothbrush. The purpose of this short-term study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Rota-dent on plaque removal and gingival health in comparison to a conventional toothbrush. Twenty-four subjects were divided into two groups. For 6 weeks one group used the Rota-dent, while the other group used a conventional (Oral-B 40) toothbrush. Plaque and gingival indexes were evaluated each week. Results indicated that the Löe and Silness Gingival Index scores improved significantly for both groups. There was a significant improvement in plaque removal as measured by Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index for the Rota-dent group, while there were no significant differences in the Silness and Löe Plaque Index for either group. Thus, both devices had a positive effect on gingival health, and the Rota-dent removed plaque better than a conventional toothbrush as measured by one but not another plaque index.