A randomized controlled trial evaluating a novel oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush versus a sonic toothbrush for plaque and gingivitis.

Purpose: To assess the relative efficacy of a new entry-tier oscillating-rotating (OR) electric toothbrush versus a sonic electric toothbrush over 4 weeks of use for plaque and gingivitis reduction.

Methods: This single-center, examiner-blind, two-treatment, parallel-group, randomized clinical study enrolled adult participants who had evidence of gingivitis and plaque at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to use either an entry-tier OR toothbrush (Oral-B iO2) with the Ultimate Clean brush head in Daily Clean mode or an advanced sonic toothbrush (usmile Marble-Art) used with the usmile Advanced Whitening brush head in Clean mode (and at the high-intensity level). Both groups brushed with a standard sodium fluoride dentifrice. Participants were assessed for gingivitis (Modified Gingival Index and the Gingival Bleeding Index) and plaque (Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index) at baseline and after 4 weeks of twice-daily use. Plaque was also assessed after a single use at baseline.

Results: Both toothbrushes statistically significantly reduced gingivitis after 4 weeks of use and plaque after a single use and after 4 weeks (P< 0.001 for all). The OR toothbrush, relative to the sonic toothbrush, demonstrated a statistically significantly greater reduction in Modified Gingival Index score and number of bleeding sites (P< 0.001) and was associated with a significantly greater number of users transitioning from gingivitis to a state of gingival health (i.e., < 10% bleeding sites; P= 0.038) by the end of the study. The OR toothbrush likewise demonstrated greater efficacy with respect to plaque reduction after a single use (whole mouth, interproximal, and gingival margin; P< 0.001 for all) and after 4 weeks of use (whole mouth and interproximal; P< 0.001 for both).

Clinical significance: The novel entry-tier OR toothbrush offers significantly greater plaque control and gingivitis reduction relative to the advanced sonic toothbrush model.