Evaluation of a counter-rotational powered brush in patients in supportive periodontal therapy.

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of a counter-rotational powered brush (CRPB) during the supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) phase of periodontal treatment, 40 treated patients in SPT but with insufficient plaque control were randomly divided into equal experimental or control groups. All subjects used the same toothpaste, but the CRPB group did not use any interproximal aids. Gingivitis (MGI), plaque, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were scored at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months prior to prophylaxis in conjunction with regular SPT visits. While both groups improved from baseline, CRPB use achieved significantly lower mean plaque scores and BOP at 6 months as analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. The CRPB also showed consistent statistically superior percentage changes from baseline resulting in a general 50% improvement in clinical conditions compared to a 20 to 25% improvement for control oral hygiene methods. CRPB use resulted in at least a 50% improvement from baseline twice as often as did the control. The results of this study demonstrate more substantial and consistent improvement in periodontal conditions and plaque control effectiveness with the CRPB than the control methods that included interproximal hygiene aids. It appears that the CRPB may be a useful adjunct in maintaining reduced plaque levels and favorable gingival conditions in patients in the SPT phase of periodontal therapy.