Stain removal efficacy of two manual toothbrushes

To evaluate the dental stain removal efficacy of two commercially-available manual toothbrushes.

This was a randomized, examiner-blind, parallel-group, two treatment clinical trial of 2 weeks duration. Subjects qualifying for the study had a mean Modified Lobene Stain Index of ≥ 1.5 on at least two anterior teeth. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups, receiving a test manual toothbrush (Oral-B 3D White Radiant) or a positive control (PC) manual brush to be used for 1 minute, twice daily for 2 weeks with a standard, anti-cavity fluoride dentifrice. Subjects were given written and verbal instructions, and the first use was supervised at the baseline visit. Stain was measured at baseline and after 2 weeks of product use. Stain measurements were conducted using the Modified Lobene Stain Index (MLSI) and the Interproximal Modified Lobene Stain Index (IMLSI).

Use of the two manual brushes resulted in statistically significant reductions of surface stain relative to baseline after 2 weeks of use. The mean MLSI composite stain reductions versus baseline were 1.37 for White Radiant and 0.87 for PC (P < 0.001 for both). Using the IMLSI, the mean stain reductions for composite, gingival and interproximal regions were 1.68, 1.20 and 1.68 for White Radiant (P < 0.001) and 1.25, 0.97 and 1.43 for PC (P ≤ 0.002). ANCOVA yielded statistically significant between group differences, with greater composite stain removal observed for White Radiant using both indices (P ≤ 0.025).