Use of an Oscillating-Rotating Electric Toothbrush and Novel Brush Head to Increase Brushing Motivation and Reduce Plaque Among Orthodontic Patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this case series was to evaluate the effect of the Oral-B® iO™ oscillatingrotating (O-R) electric toothbrush with micro-vibrations and the novel Oral-B Targeted Clean™ brush head on orthodontic patients' plaque accumulation and motivation to brush.

METHODS

Five patients, aged 9 to 22 years, with fixed orthodontia and poor oral hygiene were enrolled in the study and instructed on use of the O-R toothbrush with the novel brush head. At the beginning and end of the 9- to 14-week case study interval, patients completed a survey designed to assess estimated brushing time and patients' motivation to brush their teeth. At the same timepoints, each patient's plaque was disclosed with a plaque-disclosing gel, assessed by a dental professional, an photographed. Finally, each patient participated in an exit interview.

RESULTS

At the end of the case study participation, all patients' plaque accumulation was greatly reduced (range 15% to 45%) and most patients reported increased motivation to brush their teeth. While mean estimated brushing time remained relatively fl at during the evaluation period (2:34 to 2:42 minutes), the substantial decrease in plaque levels seen with the Targeted Clean brush head shows it provided highly efficient plaque removal. Patients and their caregivers expressed satisfaction with the toothbrush and novel brush head.

CONCLUSIONS

The Oral-B iO O-R electric toothbrush and Targeted Clean brush head were well-received by orthodontic patients and their caregivers and produced clinically relevant plaque reductions in this at-risk population.