A 4‐week randomized controlled trial evaluating plaque and gingivitis effects of an electric toothbrush in a paediatric population

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundFew extended studies have explored oscillating–rotating (O–R) toothbrush efficacy in young children.AimTo compare the efficacy between O–R and manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis after 4 weeks in children.DesignThis was a randomized, parallel‐group, examiner‐blind, clinical trial. In two 50‐subject cohorts (3–6 years, primary dentition, parental brushing; 7–10 years, mixed dentition, self‐brushing), subjects used Oral‐BKidsO–R toothbrush per manufacturer's instructions or Paro Junior manual toothbrush in a customary manner. Plaque and Modified Gingival Index (MGI; primary variable) scores were assessed at baseline and Week 4 for all subjects and within each age group.ResultsBoth toothbrushes significantly reduced whole mouth and posterior plaque and MGI versus baseline (p < .001). Combined groups: O–R showed greater plaque and MGI reductions versus manual for all measures (p ≤ .003). Three‐ to 6‐year‐olds: O–R demonstrated significantly (p < .032) greater whole‐mouth (55.7%) and posterior (34.3%) plaque reductions at Week 4 versus manual. Seven‐ to 10‐year‐olds: O–R showed significantly (p < .001) greater whole‐mouth (94.5%) and posterior (108.4%) plaque reductions and greater (p ≤ .016) whole‐mouth (14.1%) and posterior (18.8%) MGI reductions versus manual. There were no adverse events.ConclusionThe O–R toothbrush, used per manufacturer's instructions, reduced plaque and gingivitis better than a manual toothbrush used in a customary manner among children.