A 6-month clinical evaluation of a high frequency sonic toothbrush in comparison with an oscillating-rotating power toothbrush and a traditional sonic toothbrush in reducing gingivitis and plaque.

PURPOSE: To compare the 6-month clinical efficacy of a novel high frequency sonic power toothbrush (A) with an oscillating-rotating (O-R) power toothbrush (B) and a traditional sonic toothbrush (C) in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized, examiner-blind, parallel group design consisting of two two-treatment sub-trials. Gingivitis was assessed using the Modified Gingival Index (MGI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). Plaque was assessed using the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) at Baseline, Month 3, and Month 6. Statistical analysis between A versus B and A versus C were evaluated. Data were analyzed using an ANCOVA with the baseline score as the covariate.

RESULTS: In total, 120 subjects (40 per group) were randomized to treatments and 119 subjects completed the study. All power toothbrushes provided statistically significant reductions in gingivitis and plaque relative to Baseline (P< 0.001). Reductions in MGI and GBI scores were not statistically significantly different between A and B at Months 3 and 6. While A had statistically significant 20.1% and 29.0% greater reductions in total RMNPI and interproximal RMNPI respectively, compared to B at Month 6 (P< 0.05). Reductions in gingivitis and plaque indices were not statistically significantly different between A (41,000 oscillations/minute) and C (31,000 oscillations/minute) at Month 3. Compared to C, A demonstrated 14.0% and 14.5% greater reductions in MGI and GBI respectively, and 26.0% greater reduction in interproximal RMNPI versus baseline at Month 6 (P< 0.05). No adverse events were reported for the power toothbrushes.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The new high frequency sonic power toothbrush was not significantly different from the oscillating-rotating power toothbrush in gingivitis reduction while it demonstrated statistically significantly greater reductions in plaque. The new high frequency sonic power toothbrush was significantly more efficacious than the traditional sonic toothbrush in reducing plaque and gingivitis after long term use.