Effect of an oscillating rotating power toothbrush on plaque removal and regrowth

To measure the effectiveness of an oscillating rotating power toothbrush as compared to a manual toothbrush.

17 subjects were preliminarily assigned commercial tubes of Crest Cavity Protection (CCP) dentifrice and an Oral-B manual toothbrush (P35) with instructions for bid brushing morning and evening. Subjects remained on CCP dentifrice for 2 weeks during which they were imaged on 6 days (three each week) including daily assessments of morning plaque levels before brushing (AM), morning plaque levels after brushing (PB) and afternoon plaque levels allowing for regrowth (PM). Plaque was evaluated using standardized UV imaging techniques [Digital Plaque Image Analysis (DPIA) methodology]. At Week 3, subjects replaced their manual brush with an oscillating rotating power toothbrush (Oral-B Triumph) and were supplied with a detailed instruction/training video to assist in education and compliance with the power brush regimen. Plaque was evaluated during Week 3 on three additional days with measures again including AM, PB and PM. Throughout, plaque results are reported as average plaque area coverage on dentition.

AM: Manual (2 week avg. +/- SD): 18.7 +/- 8.8; Power = 10.3 +/- 3.3 (44.9% relative reduction P < 0.05); PB: Manual (2 week avg.): 8.5 +/- 4.2; Power 4.6 +/- 1.9 (45.9% relative reduction P < 0.05); PM: Manual (2 week avg.): 14.9 +/- 6.4; Power = 8.2 +/- 3.1 (45.0% relative reduction P < 0.05).