The Effect of Different Electric Toothbrush Technologies on Interdental Plaque Removal: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis.

The removal of dental plaque from the gingival margins of the teeth is essential to maintaining periodontal health. Whilst it has been established that electric toothbrushes demonstrate a greater ability to remove plaque, no systematic review has specifically investigated which technology is better for removing plaque from the interdental tooth surfaces, where plaque control may be more difficult. Three databases were searched until October 2023: MEDLINE and DOSSS via EBSCOhost and Embase. Data extraction was carried out on studies which met the inclusion criteria, and a risk of bias assessment was completed. The study findings were combined via a narrative synthesis and a meta-analysis where appropriate. A total of 77 studies were found, out of which 14 were selected and included in the analysis. The mean difference in interproximal plaque reduction, measured using the Rustogi Modified Naval Plaque Index (RMNPI) at 8 weeks, was 0.09 (p < 0.00001) in favor of the oscillating-rotating toothbrush. At 6 and 12 weeks, the mean difference in plaque reduction (RMNPI) was 0.05 (p = 0.0008) and 0.04 (p = 0.0001) in favor of the oscillating-rotating toothbrush, respectively. The studies show a tendency for oscillating-rotating toothbrushes to remove more interproximal plaque than oscillating toothbrushes, especially in a short time (8 weeks).

Efficacy of an Electric Toothbrush With Monitor in Dental Plaque Removal: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Plaque control is very important in the treatment of periodontitis. However, plaque is difficult to remove because one cannot see one's own oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to verify the plaque removal effect of a prototype device that has a built-in image sensor in the head of an electric toothbrush, enabling the user to brush while checking the condition of the tooth surface on a monitor in real time and to assess their sense of use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 10 fifth-year students from the Graduate School of Dental Science, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan. The subjects were divided into those who used electric toothbrushes while having the condition of the tooth surface checked with a monitor (monitor group) and those without a monitor (non-monitor group). O'Leary plaque control records before and after brushing and the brushing time were measured, and questionnaires were given to the subjects after brushing. Scaling and professional tooth cleaning were performed after completing the questionnaire. One week later, subjects were switched to the opposite group and had the same measurements and questionnaires. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare both groups before and after the examination at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The monitor group had significantly better plaque removal than the non-monitor group. In addition, the monitor group spent significantly more time brushing than the control group. CONCLUSION: Brushing while monitoring oral conditions in real time using an electric toothbrush with a built-in image sensor showed that significantly better plaque removal can be achieved with a longer brushing time.

Evaluation of the usefulness and quality of YouTube™ videos about children's electric toothbrushes.

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of mechanical tooth cleaning, which plays a crucial role in biofilm control, depends on the type of brush and technique. Parents can refer to websites such as YouTube™ for guidance on the selection and use of electric toothbrushes. The objective of this study was to examine the usefulness, quality and accuracy of the information on YouTube™ videos about electric toothbrushes for children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was performed on YouTube™ for English language videos using the terms 'electric toothbrush for kids' and 'kids' electric toothbrush'. From the first 100 results, 64 videos were selected for further analysis. The videos were analysed for views, likes/dislikes, number of comments, upload source, duration and time since video upload. The usefulness and the quality of the selected videos were also measured. RESULTS: The majority of the videos mentioned toothbrush design (71.9%, n = 46) and toothbrush heads (62.5%, n = 40). The videos were generally determined to be moderately useful (46.9%), whereas very useful videos were found less frequently (12.5%). Slightly useful videos were mostly uploaded by laypeople. Very useful videos had significantly higher video durations than moderately and slightly useful videos (p = 0.029 and p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: YouTube™ can be an important source of information for parents to learn about electric toothbrushes for their children. However, watching videos based on upload source and length of time may provide more accurate information on this topic. Also, dental healthcare professionals could be included more often to improve the usefulness and quality of the videos.

Orthodontists' instructions for oral hygiene in patients with removable and fixed orthodontic appliances.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this questionnaire-based survey was to evaluate information on frequencies, instructions and products relating to oral hygiene (OH) in orthodontic practices. METHODS: Using a computer-generated randomization list, 1000 orthodontists were selected and sent a questionnaire. The size and number of inhabitants of the federal states of Germany were considered. The federal states with the highest return rate (Baden-Wuerttemberg [BW], Bavaria [B], Hesse [H], Lower Saxony [LS], Nordrhein-Westphalia [NRW]) were considered and differences between the 16 federal states were divided into North, South, East and Central Germany. RESULTS: The response rate of the questionnaires was 52.4%. The majority (53.8%) worked in one practice alone. Most (59.1%) have been orthodontists for 5-25 years. For vestibular multibracket appliances (MBA) in BW, B, H and LS over 90% recommended interdental brushes (IDB). In NRW 91.4% recommend fluoride gel. In B and H more than 80% chose electric toothbrush (ETB), in BW, LS and NRW more than 80% manual toothbrush (MTB). For lingual MBA (LMBA) in BW, H, LS and NRW with approximately 50% each fluoride gel, IDB and MTB were chosen. In B fluoride gel, IDB and ETB. For removable apparatus (RA), five federal states recommended MTB (>80%) and ETB (BW, B, H > 80%; NRW > 70%; LS > 60%). CONCLUSION: Electric toothbrushes are recommended for the use with all appliances, only with removable appliances manual toothbrushes are favoured. For vestibular MBA it is strongly advised to use IDB additionally.

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

BACKGROUND: Few extended studies have explored oscillating-rotating (O-R) toothbrush efficacy in young children. AIM: To compare the efficacy between O-R and manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis after 4 weeks in children. DESIGN: This 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-B Kids O-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. RESULTS: Both 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. CONCLUSION: The O-R toothbrush, used per manufacturer's instructions, reduced plaque and gingivitis better than a manual toothbrush used in a customary manner among children.

[The contribution of the combined use of an electric toothbrush and specialized toothpaste for electric brushes to the dental health of young people aged 18-25 years]. / Vliyanie kombinirovannogo primeneniya otbelivayushchikh zubnykh past i elektricheskikh zubnykh shchetok na pokazateli stomatologicheskogo zdorov'ya molodykh lyudei 18­25 let.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Was to assess the impact of two toothpastes marked as «Whitening¼ and two electric toothbrushes on the dental health values of young adults aged 18-25 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 139 young adults 18-25 years old participated to assess the improvement of dental index score in dynamic observation. The study groups were formed by random sampling. RESULTS: The effectiveness of two types of electric toothbrushes in combination with two different toothpastes has been studied. Significant improvement of oral health indices in 3 months of investigation was found in the study group with sonic electric brush and toothpaste specially designed for use with electric toothbrushes (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The study showed the benefit of combined use of sonic electric brush and low abrasive toothpaste containing bromelain, xylite, calcium glycerophosphate and magnesium chloride for dental health of young adults aged 18-25 years.

Systematic Review and Meta Analysis of the Relative Effect on Plaque Index among Pediatric Patients Using Powered (Electric) versus Manual Toothbrushes.

Although many randomized controlled trials (RCT) have evaluated the efficacy of powered or electric toothbrushes compared with manual or traditional toothbrushes to remove biofilm and plaque, only one systematic review has been published for pediatric patients. The primary objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta analysis for this population. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol, N = 321 studies were initially identified. Three independent, blinded abstract reviews were completed resulting in a total of n = 38/322 or 11.8% for the final analysis (n = 27 non-orthodontic, n = 11 orthodontic studies). Meta analysis of these outcome data have revealed a strong reduction in plaque index scores among pediatric patients using electric toothbrushes of approximately 17.2% for non-orthodontic patients and 13.9% for orthodontic patients. These results provide strong clinical evidence for recommending electric toothbrushing to pediatric patients, as well as those patients undergoing orthodontic therapy and treatment.

Dentronics: tooth cleaning with a tactile collaborative robot - an in vitro proof of concept.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of a tactile collaborative robot programmed by a dental professional (DP) with that of a DP in the removal of surrogate plaque in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six typodont teeth in articulated jaws were covered with surrogate plaque and cleaned by a DP with the help of a manual toothbrush (DP/manual) and an electric toothbrush (DP/electric). The experiment was repeated with the help of a collaborative seven-axis tactile robot programmed by a DP handling a manual toothbrush (robot/manual) and an electric toothbrush (robot/electric). All experiments were repeated five times, resulting in a total of N = 30 teeth in each group. Cleaning results were reported as the percentage of surface area with residual plaque. RESULTS: The cleaning results of the DP and the robot showed no significant differences. However, electric toothbrushing was significantly less effective compared with manual toothbrushing (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present in vitro study indicates that current robot technology may perform the removal of surrogate plaque as efficiently as a DP. In future, this may be helpful to release nursing staff from this time-demanding task that could possibly cause contagion or to support people with reduced motor skills or impaired vision in performing daily oral hygiene.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Manual Toothbrush Versus Power Toothbrush in Reduction of Gingivitis: A Comparative Clinical Study.

Background: In our study, we compare the power toothbrush with the manual toothbrush and the results showed were contradictory. Where few studies have reported that power toothbrushes are superior, other studies showed that both are equally efficacious in removing dental plaque. Aims: The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacy of manual toothbrush with an electric toothbrush in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 56 subjects which were randomly divided into two groups of 28 subjects each. At week 1, disclosing agent (two-tone solution) was used to detect plaque, and Loe and Silness Gingival Index were used to assess gingival scores. Oral hygiene instructions and brushing were also reinforced. A similar protocol was repeated at one, two, and six weeks. The collected data were subjected to statistical evaluation. Results: At two weeks, the plaque score for manual and power toothbrushes were 60.253 ± 20.672 and 44.031 ± 16.484, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant with P = 0.0020. At six weeks, plaque scores for manual and power toothbrushes were 43.784 ± 22.647 and 20.489 ± 10.336, respectively, and were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The present study concludes that powered toothbrush has added advantages of improved oral hygiene compared to manual toothbrush concerning plaque reduction. This can be attributed to predefined power and force which can effectively remove plaque, calculus, and improved gingival health.

Effects of Electric-Toothbrush Vibrations on the Expression of Collagen and Non-Collagen Proteins through the Focal Adhesion Kinase Signaling Pathway in Gingival Fibroblasts.

Electric-toothbrush vibrations, which remove plaque, are transmitted to the gingival connective tissue via epithelial cells. Physical energy affects cell function; however, the effects of electric-toothbrush vibrations on gingival extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression remain unknown. We aimed to examine the effects of these vibrations on the expression of ECM proteins-type I collagen (col I), type III collagen (col III), elastin, and fibronectin (FN)-using human gingival fibroblasts (HGnFs). HGnFs were seeded for 5 days in a six-well plate with a hydrophilic surface, exposed to electric-toothbrush vibrations, and cultured for 7 days. Subsequently, the mRNA and protein levels of col I, col III, elastin, and FN were examined. To investigate the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling on ECM protein expression in vibration-stimulated cells, the cells were treated with siRNA against protein tyrosine kinase (PTK). Electric-toothbrush vibrations increased col I, col III, elastin, and FN expression; promoted collagen and non-collagen protein production; and enhanced FAK phosphorylation in HGnFs. Moreover, PTK2 siRNA completely blocked the effects of these vibrations on the expression of col I, col III and elastin mRNA. The results suggest that electric-toothbrush vibrations increase collagen, elastin, and FN production through the FAK-signaling pathway in fibroblasts.

A Global, In-Market Evaluation of Toothbrushing Behaviour and Self-assessed Gingival Bleeding with Use of App Data from an Interactive Electric Toothbrush.

PURPOSE: To determine if an interactive electric toothbrush and smartphone application (app) can reduce self-reported gingival bleeding and promote better brushing behaviour based on global, in-market usage data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anonymised data were collected worldwide between July 2020 and January 2021 from users of interactive oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes and app (Oral-B Genius, GeniusX and iO). Self-reported gingival bleeding and brushing behaviour data captured via the app were sent to Google Firebase and Google BigQuery to aid processing and analysis. RESULTS: Data from 16.7 million brushing sessions were analysed. 439,481 new users responded at least once to the app question: 'Do you have gum bleeding?' Of users answering the question over their first two weeks of app use (153,201), the proportion reporting bleeding decreased statistically significantly from week 1 to 2 (28.8% to 17.1%, p < 0.0001). Of users answering the question over each of the first five weeks (43,060) a further statistically significant decrease in those reporting bleeding was seen in each consecutive week, with the week-5 rate being 12.7% (p < 0.0001 vs any previous week). Decreases in duration of excessive pressure (i.e. > 2.5 N - 3.0 N depending on the handle) decreased the proportion of self-reported gingival bleeding (p < 0.0001). Users brushed longer and with less overpressure (p < 0.0001) with vs without live feedback from the app, and showed 94.4% average coverage with live feedback. CONCLUSION: The interactive oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes and app, particularly with live feedback, promote good brushing behaviour. Self-reported gingival bleeding occurred less frequently the longer the system was used.

[Clinical analysis of the cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years after a single brushing]. / Klinicheskii analiz ochishchayushchei effektivnosti zubnykh shchetok razlichnogo tipa u detei 6­15 let posle odnokratnoi chistki zubov.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years after a single tooth brushing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A parallel, randomized, open clinical trial was conducted aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of toothbrushes of various types in children aged 6-15 years. The study involved 180 children of both sexes aged 6-15 years, who were divided into 3 age categories: 6-8 years (n=60), 9-11 years (n=60) and 12-15 years (n=60). In each age category, 3 groups of 20 people were randomly formed who received toothbrushes of different types: groups I, IV and VII - a manual brush with a multi-level brush field, groups II, V and VIII - a manual brush with an even brush field, groups III, VI, IX - an electric brush with the technology of reciprocating and pulsating movements. After the dental examination, the children were taught the standard method of brushing their teeth. The cleaning efficiency of toothbrushes was evaluated using the hygiene index PI (S. Turesky, 1970) before and after a single tooth brushing. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare the indicators of one group in dynamics, and the Mann-Whitney test was used to identify differences between groups. RESULTS: A comparative analysis showed that the efficiency of the electric brush in all age groups was significantly higher compared to manual brushes having an even brush field, and in children 12-15 years old it was higher compared to both manual brushes. In the age groups of 6-8 years and 9-11 years, a manual brush with a multi-level brush field, intersecting tufts of bristles and a power projection showed high cleaning efficiency, which did not significantly differ from the indicators of plaque reduction after using an electric brush (Mann-Whitney criterion, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: An electric toothbrush is the most effective means of oral hygiene in children. In children aged 6-8 years, a high cleansing effect was achieved with a manual brush having a multi-level brush field. In the hygienic education of children of this age, it is necessary to pay more attention to the formation of the correct technique of brushing teeth with the help of manual brushes corresponding to age characteristics.

Efectividad del cepillo dental eléctrico versus manual para la remoción de biofilm en pacientes con síndrome de Down / Effectiveness of electric versus manual toothbrush for biofilm removal in patients with Down syndrome

Introducción: La salud oral en pacientes con síndrome de Down (SD) es un reto, ya que las alteraciones en la motricidad ocasionadas por la discapacidad intelectual (DI) hacen que tareas como la remoción del biofilm oral o placa dentobacteriana (PDB) con el cepillado sea deficiente. La efectividad de los cepillos eléctricos (CE) comparada con los manuales (CM) en afectados con SD sigue siendo un tema debatible ya que no se ha encontrado una homogeneidad de resultados. Es conveniente mayor investigación sobre el tema, debido a que el SD es considerada la alteración cromosómica más frecuente y la causa principal de DI en el mundo. Objetivo: Conocer la efectividad del CE en comparación con el CM para la remoción de PDB en pacientes mexicanos con SD de entre seis y 14 años. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal experimental, con emparejamiento de sujetos con SD de ambos géneros según la edad (seis a 14 años), asignando el cepillo a utilizar (grupo 1 CM o grupo 2 CE). Se realizó educación dental y método de cepillado con la técnica de Fones, así como control de PDB antes y después el efectuado por medio del índice de O'Leary durante tres días. Se analizaron los resultados utilizando estadística descriptiva e inferencial (prueba de normalidad Lilliefors, prueba t para variables independientes y dependientes). Se aceptó un análisis de significancia p < 0.05. Resultados: La utilización de la t para muestras independientes presentó una mejoría en incremento de dicho marcador de O'Leary en el conjunto total en los tres días de seguimiento respectivamente (t = 6.9, p < 0.00002; t = 8.4, p < 0.00000; y t = 9.5, p < 0.00000). Al comparar por prueba t aplicada a muestras dependientes el índice de O'Leary basal versus cada una de las evaluaciones de seguimiento también se observaron diferencias significativas en los dos conjuntos (grupo 1: p = 0.003, p = 0.0006 y p = 0.0017; grupo 2: p = 0.007, p = 0.0006 y p = 0.0002). Conclusión: La instrucción dental y motivación del paciente fueron determinantes hacia el buen desempeño del cepillado de los dientes y remoción de placa en el par de colectivos, es decir, la reafirmación de la técnica de Fones incrementa gradualmente la mejoría de la forma de uso del cepillo en niños con SD. Ambos métodos con CM y con CE fueron efectivos a fin de remover significativamente la placa, observándose una mayor mejoría en el grupo con CE, sugiriendo que éste disminuye la dificultad de la higiene bucal en personas con SD. Esta línea de investigación es importante en el beneficio de la condición oral de esta población (AU)

Introduction: Oral health in patients having Down syndrome (DS) is a challenge since the changes in motor skills caused by intellectual disability (ID) deteriorate tasks such as the removal of biofilm or dental plaque (DP) with brushing. The effectiveness of electric toothbrushes (ET) compared to manual toothbrushes (MT) in DS patients remains debatable since no homogeneity of results has been found. Further research on the subject is advisable as DS is considered the most frequent chromosomal alteration and the leading cause of ID in the world. Objective: To know the effectiveness of the ET in contrast to the MT for the removal of DP in Mexican DS patients between six and 14 years old. Material and methods: Experimental cross-sectional study, with the pairing of DS subjects of both genders according to age (six to 14 years), assigning the brush to be used (group 1 MT or group 2 ET). Dental education and brushing were performed employing the Fones technique and DP control before and after brushing employing the O'Leary index for three days. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Lilliefors normality test, t-test for independent and dependent variables). A significance test p < 0.05 was accepted. Results: The t-test for independent samples showed an improvement in the increase of the O'Leary index in the complete group in the three days of follow-up respectively (t = 6.9, p < 0.00002; t = 8.4, p < 0.00000; and t = 9.5, p < 0.00000). When comparing by t-test for dependent samples the baseline O'Leary index versus each of the follow-up evaluations, significant differences were also observed in both groups (group 1: p = 0.003, p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0017; group 2: p = 0.007, p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0002). Conclusion: The dental education and motivation of the patient were decisive for the good performance of tooth brushing and removal of the plaque in both groups. The reaffirmation of the Fones technique gradually increases the improvement of the brushing technique in DS children. Both brushings using MT and ET were effective in removing the biofilm significantly. However, a greater improvement was observed in the group with ET, suggesting that it reduces their difficulty with tooth brushing. This line of research is important to benefit the oral condition of this population (AU)

Evaluation and Acceptance of an Electric Toothbrush Designed for Dependent Patients.

INTRODUCTION: A key barrier to standardizing evidence-based oral health protocols for highly dependent patients is the lack of validated and accepted oral health products designed specifically for use by caregivers. This study compared preferences by users of a novel electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush in a health care setting. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled health care providers as volunteers. Volunteer brushers completed simulated tooth brushing sessions of mock-intubated and non-intubated volunteer brushees with both toothbrushes. Volunteers rated different domains of toothbrush preference in an anonymous, optional survey. RESULTS: A total of 133 health care providers volunteered (123 brushers [providers brushing teeth] and 10 brushees [those having their teeth brushed]). The novel electric toothbrush received significantly higher positive ratings than the standard hospital-issue manual toothbrush in all domains that we surveyed: ease of use, thoroughness, safety, shape and size of the brush head, overall cleanliness, time requirements, and efficiency (p<0.001). Importantly, due to the integrated light and suction of this electric toothbrush, brushers completed more sessions without setting down the toothbrush with the electric toothbrush than with the manual toothbrush (75.4% vs 36.4%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Integrating a lighted electric brush with suction into the caregiver's armamentarium as an evidence-based tool is warranted and should be evaluated in terms of patient outcomes.

Droplet Sizes Emitted from Demonstration Electric Toothbrushes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to microbial transmission risk via aerosols in dental practice. Demonstration electric toothbrushes are used intra-orally for education. The aim of this investigation was to measure the size of droplets emitted by the brush head of two demonstration oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes. Measurement of droplet production and size was recorded in vitro using three methods: (1) Malvern Spraytec (LASER particle size measurement device with detectable particle size of 0.1-2500 µm) and brushes mounted on a 3D-printed, two-shell form-fit fixture with a supply of tap water; (2) a DustTrak aerosol measurement device and toothpaste slurry, with brushing simulated in the oral cavity of a phantom head; (3) high-speed visualization in a simulated-use situation in the oral cavity of a phantom head, with individual evaluation of tap water, water with detergent, 70% ethanol, glycerin and toothpaste slurry. Both brushes showed the size of emitted droplets was consistently between 200 and 1200 µm, categorized as splatter (dental aerosols are <50 µm diameter). No significant incremental aerosol-sized matter was detected during toothbrush operation. The high-speed video visualization confirmed only splatter-sized droplets during operation. These findings indicate that oscillating-rotating toothbrushes do not produce aerosol-sized particles during simulated use.

Effect of 125-150 Hz Vibrational Frequency Electric Toothbrush on Teeth and Supporting Structures: A Finite Element Method Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this finite element method (FEM) study was to assess the safety of 125-150 Hz vibrational frequency electric toothbrush on teeth and associated structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-dimensional (3D) geometric model of entire skull having maxilla, mandible, and their dentitions was created using a computed tomography (CT) image of a healthy male patient. Linear static analysis was carried out by applying 15 g of force on anterior part of maxilla and mandible from labial and lingual sides each to calculate the primary displacement (sagittal, vertical, and transversal) and principal stress levels generated on the maxillary and mandibular dentition, on the maxilla and mandible and on the whole skull. RESULTS: A force of 15 g applied to maxillary anterior teeth from labial side caused a mean deflection of 0.003 mm and stress of 0.004 MPa on the teeth and supporting structures. A force of 15 g applied to maxillary anterior teeth from palatal side caused a mean deflection of 0.017 mm and stress of 0.017 MPa on the teeth and supporting structures. A force of 15 g applied to mandibular anterior teeth from labial side caused a mean deflection of 0.078 mm and stress of 0.051 MPa on the teeth and supporting structures. A force of 15 g applied to mandibular anterior teeth from lingual side caused a mean deflection of 0.077 mm and stress of 0.051 MPa on the teeth and supporting structures. CONCLUSION: For the applied loads and boundary conditions, very small or negligible amount of stresses were observed in maxilla, mandible, and their dentitions. The vibrational frequency of 150 Hz producing 15 g of force did not produce any harmful effects on maxilla, mandible, and their dentitions. Hence, 125-150 Hz of vibrational frequency can be considered optimum. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An electric toothbrush using the vibration of 125-150 Hz produces negligible stress on teeth and associated structures.

Randomised clinical study of plaque removal efficacy of an electric toothbrush in primary and mixed dentition.

BACKGROUND: Clinical investigations of electric toothbrushes in young children are limited. AIM: To assess plaque reduction efficacy of an oscillating-rotating electric versus manual toothbrush in a paediatric population in primary and mixed dentitions. DESIGN: In this randomised, single-brushing, 2-treatment, 4-period, replicate-use crossover study, subjects were divided into 2 age groups (3-6 years; 7-9 years) and assigned to a treatment sequence involving an Oral-B Kids electric brush and a manual brush control. Plaque was assessed pre- and post-brushing (Turesky Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index). Parents brushed the teeth of their children aged 3-6 years, whereas children aged 7-9 years brushed their own teeth under supervision. Plaque removal scores were analysed for brush differences in each age group separately using an analysis of covariance for crossover design. RESULTS: Forty-one children (n = 20, 3-6 years; n = 21, 7-9 years) completed the study. For the primary dentition in children 3-6 years, the electric brush reduced 32.3% more plaque than the manual brush (P = .005). For the mixed dentition in children 7-9 years, the electric brush reduced 51.9% more plaque than the manual brush (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: An electric toothbrush reduced significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush in 2 paediatric age groups.

Factors Associated with Dental Plaque, Gingivitis, and Caries in a Pediatric Population: A Records-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated dental records of 1000 healthy children to determine factors associated with plaque, gingivitis, and caries. A logistic model for plaque and gingivitis (mild versus moderate/severe) and caries (yes/no) was carried out separately for each variable using the following potential factors: Age, Gender, Brush Type, Starting Age of Brushing, Brushing Frequency, and Bite Type. Data from 998 children (median age: 4 years, 10 months (range: 2.5-7 years)) were analyzed. Sixty-four percent were manual toothbrush users; 36% were oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush users. For plaque and gingivitis, but not caries, Brush Type was more impactful than Brushing Frequency. Age influenced the severity of plaque and gingivitis, with increases in the odds of having moderate/severe plaque or gingivitis associated with increasing age. The probability of caries increased until approximately age 5 and then decreased until age 7. Oscillating-rotating brush users were more likely to present with less plaque, gingivitis, and caries, with 6.0, 5.1, and 1.4 times greater odds of having mild (versus moderate/severe) plaque, less severe gingivitis, and being caries-free, respectively, than manual brush users. Similarly, brushing twice daily and starting brushing at an earlier age were associated with better oral health outcomes. Children with anterior bite abnormalities had increased odds of developing moderate/severe plaque and gingivitis than children with normal anterior bites. Gender was not a statistically significant factor associated with plaque, gingivitis, or caries. Children's oral health is influenced by toothbrush type, starting age of brushing, compliance with twice-daily brushing, and bite abnormalities.

Introducing the Oral-B iO electric toothbrush: next generation oscillating-rotating technology.

PURPOSE: A novel oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush (Oral-B iO) has been developed with a linear magnetic drive, resulting in oscillation-rotations with micro-vibrations. The mechanism directs motor energy directly to the bristle tips. The brush also has a redesigned round brush head and smart pressure sensor to enhance plaque removal and encourage proper brushing technique. METHODS: The plaque removal and gingival health effects of this new electric toothbrush technology were evaluated in three randomized controlled studies summarized in this supplement, including an 8-week trial versus a manual toothbrush, an 8-week trial versus a premium sonic toothbrush, and a single-brushing, repetitive-use study versus a manual toothbrush. RESULTS: Outcomes from these studies demonstrate statistically significantly greater plaque removal and gingival health improvements for the Oral-B iO toothbrush technology versus manual and sonic toothbrush controls. Plaque removal advantages demonstrated in the replicate-use single-brushing trial resulted in significant gingival health benefits as evidenced in the longer-term trials. In addition, gingivitis case status assessments based on the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) guidelines show that over 80% of subjects using the Oral-B iO transitioned from 'gingivitis' (≥10% bleeding sites) at baseline to 'generally healthy' (<10% bleeding sites) at week 8 in both longer-term clinical trials, versus 24% in the manual toothbrush group and 53% in the sonic toothbrush group. CONCLUSIONS: This uniquely designed oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush with a linear magnetic drive delivers significantly greater plaque removal and gingival health benefits with additional features to improve brushing experience and clinical outcomes.

Efficiency of using electric toothbrush as an alternative to a tuning fork for artificial buzz pollination is independent of instrument buzzing frequency.

BACKGROUND: Breeding programs and research activities where artificial buzz-pollinations are required to have primarily relied upon using tuning forks, and bumble bees. However, these methods can be expensive, unreliable, and inefficient. To find an alternative, we tested the efficiency of pollen collection using electric toothbrushes and compared it with tuning forks at three vibration frequencies-low, medium, and high and two extraction times at 3 s and 16 s- from two buzz-pollinated species (Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum elaeagnifolium). RESULTS: Our results show that species, and extraction time significantly influenced pollen extraction, while there were no significant differences for the different vibration frequencies and more importantly, the use of a toothbrush over tuning fork. More pollen was extracted from S. elaeagnifolium when compared to S. lycopersicum, and at longer buzzing time regardless of the instrument used. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that electric toothbrushes can be a viable and inexpensive alternative to tuning forks, and regardless of the instrument used and buzzing frequency, length of buzzing time is also critical in pollen extraction.