Effectiveness of Toothbrush Containing Solar Cells and Titanium Dioxide Rod on Plaque Reduction During...

This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a toothbrush containing solar cells and a titanium dioxide electrode (TiO₂ toothbrush) compared with a normal toothbrush for removing plaque during caregiver-performed oral hygiene care for elderly residents in nursing homes who require care.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted, which consisted of two 2-week intervention periods separated by a 2-week washout period. Participants were residents of a nursing home in Japan and met the eligibility criteria of at least one remaining tooth and not using an internal electronic device. Each underwent toothbrushing with either a TiO₂ or a placebo toothbrush. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of caregiver-performed toothbrushing, with the Rustogi Modification Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) as the primary outcome measure. Toothbrushes were randomly assigned to the participants. The allocation process was double-blinded, with the findings not revealed to the participants, intervention implementers or outcome assessors until after the trial.

The randomised sample included 40 participants and analysis was conducted using a linear mixed-effects model. The average plaque index with use of a TiO₂ toothbrush was 5.9% (95% CI: 3.9-8.0) and with a placebo was 10.4% (95% CI: 6.1-14.8), a statistically significant difference (p = 0.032). No significant adverse events or side effects in either group were reported.

Caregiver-performed toothbrushing with a toothbrush designed to exhibit photocatalytic effects and chemical reactions demonstrated superior plaque removal efficacy compared to a normal toothbrush. These findings suggest potential benefits for elderly individuals requiring care and may reduce the burden of oral hygiene care in nursing facilities.