A 6-month randomized controlled trial evaluating a novel smart-connected oscillating-rotating toothbrush versus a smart-connected sonic toothbrush for the reduction of plaque and gingivitis.

PURPOSE

This 6-month study compared the effects of a smart-connected oscillating-rotating (O-R) electric rechargeable toothbrush with micro-vibrations with those of a marketed smart-connected sonic rechargeable toothbrush for the reduction of gingivitis and plaque.

METHODS

In this single-center, examiner-blind, two-treatment, open-label, parallel-group, randomized study, 110 adult subjects with evidence of gingivitis and plaque were randomized to use either the O-R brush (Oral-B iO) or the sonic brush (Philips Sonicare DiamondClean). Both groups were instructed to brush twice daily with a standard sodium fluoride dentifrice. Gingivitis and plaque were assessed at baseline, week 1, and week 24 using the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), and the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI). Designation of gingivitis case status as "healthy" or " not healthy" was made according to the World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.

RESULTS

A significantly greater percentage of subjects in the O-R brush group versus the sonic brush group transitioned from " not healthy" to " healthy" gingivitis case status at week 24 (96.4% vs. 81.8%; P= 0.029). The O-R toothbrush produced a significantly greater reduction in adjusted mean MGI score, adjusted mean GBI score, and adjusted mean number of bleeding sites than did the sonic brush (week 24, by 32.6% for MGI score, by 23.7% for GBI score, and by 26.1% for number of bleeding sites, P< 0.001). After a single use on day 1, plaque removal was statistically significantly greater for the O-R brush compared to the sonic brush (P< 0.001); by week 24, the O-R brush demonstrated greater reductions in whole mouth plaque (24.6%), gingival margin plaque (61.9%) and approximal region plaque 25.8% (P≤ 0.007 for all) compared to the sonic brush.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This 6-month study provides evidence supporting use of a smart-connected O-R electric toothbrush with micro-vibrations for plaque removal and gingivitis reductions, resulting in transitions to a healthy gingival state.