Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Efficacy of Sonic-Powered Toothbrushing by Caregivers in Individuals With Severe Disability: A Randomized
Chika Kozono1, Tomoaki Shintani2, Fumi Tokui1
1Division of Dental Hygiene, Department of Clinical Practice and Support, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
Objectives:
Caregivers play an important role in providing oral hygiene to individuals with severe disabilities. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of toothbrushing by caregivers. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of toothbrushing by caregivers using sonic-powered and manual toothbrushes on oral hygiene in individuals with severe disabilities.
Methods:
This was arandomized, single-blind (investigator), 32-week clinical trial. A total of 41 patients (25 males, mean age 33.5 years) were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the sonic-powered and manual toothbrush groups. The primary outcome variable was periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA). Oral bacterial count (OBC), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI), and plaque control record (PCR) were considered secondary outcome variables. Outcome variables and adverse effects were assessed at baseline and 32 weeks after caregivers began using the assigned toothbrush for brushing.
Results:
In both toothbrush groups, OBC, PISA, GI, PLI, and PCR significantly decreased after the intervention compared with those before the intervention (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the time spent brushing teeth or the burden on caregivers before and after the intervention. Furthermore, no significant differences in OBC, PISA, GI, PLI, and PCR were observed between the two toothbrushes, and no relevant adverse effects were observed.
Conclusion:
In toothbrushing by caregivers for severely disabled individuals, sonic-powered toothbrushes were as effective and safe as manual toothbrushes. The results of this study may help caregivers select appropriate toothbrushes when assisted brushing for the severely disabled.
