Comparison of the interproximal plaque removal efficacy of two powered toothbrushes using in vitro oral biofilms.

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of interproximal plaque removal beyond the bristles by two electric toothbrushes, the new Sonicare Elite and Braun Oral-B 3D, in an in vitro model replicating the brushing of interproximal plaque as would occur in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oral biofilms were grown, in vitro, in a constant-depth film fermenter on a hydroxyapatite (HA) disc substratum. Brushing experiments were conducted in a brushing machine representing the brushing of interproximal plaque between mandibular molars. The HA discs with oral biofilms were located a minimum of 1.6 mm away from the bristles. The efficacy of plaque removal was assessed by enumeration of the percentage of viable bacteria removed from the biofilms by 5 seconds of brushing with the brush motors either activated or inactivated.

RESULTS

In the activated state, both brushes removed a significantly higher percentage of plaque bacteria compared to the inactive brushes (Braun, P = 0.002; Sonicare, P = 0.005). The percentage of plaque bacteria removed by the Sonicare Elite (32.23%) beyond the bristles was significantly greater (P = 0.012) than that removed by the Braun Oral-B 3D (9.48%) in this model system.