A comparative clinical investigation of the safety and efficacy of an oscillating/rotating electric toothbrush and a sonic toothbrush.

This clinical study compared the ability of a sonic toothbrush to remove plaque and control gingivitis with that of an oscillating/rotating electric toothbrush. One-hundred and sixteen subjects from a general population were randomly allocated to either a sonic toothbrush group (Sonicare) or an electric toothbrush group (Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover). After 8 weeks use, there was found to be no statistically significant difference in either plaque removal or gingival index between the two groups. Both devices were found to be safe, but whereas 100% of volunteers in the Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover group expressed a wish to continue using the toothbrush, approximately 25% of the Sonicare group did not like the device and said that they would not continue to use it. The Sonicare device was found to offer no advantages in clinical terms over an established oscillating/rotating electric toothbrush (Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover) with respect to removal of supragingival plaque or improvement in gingival health.