Plaque Removal of Power Brush Heads after 6-Weeks of Wear

Objective: This randomized clinical study was conducted to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of two power brush heads after six weeks of wear.

Method: This study was a randomized, examiner-blind, cross over design with two study parts (home wear phase and single-use cross over phase). During the first part subjects used each of two power brush heads (Oral-B Precision Clean - OPC or Store Brand – SB) with the same Professional Care Series handle for six weeks at home. During the second phase subjects reported to the clinic and plaque removal of both 6-weeks used brush heads was examined in a randomized four period cross over design. Plaque was scored before and after brushing using the Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TQHPI).

Result: Forty-eight subjects enrolled in the study and 47 subjects completed both phases. Baseline whole mouth plaque scores were 2.157 and 2.120 for the branded brush head and store brand treatments, respectively and didn’t differ significantly from each other (p=0.074). The adjusted mean plaque reduction (baseline minus post-brushing) was 1.022 (47.4% reduction vs. baseline) for the OPC and 0.828 (39.1%) for the SB brush head. An analysis of covariance showed that the OPC brush head provided statistically significantly higher plaque reduction for the whole mouth (23.4%), approximal (30.1%) and in mid-tooth regions (13.0%) than the SB brush head (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The branded power brush head removed statistically significantly more plaque (whole mouth, approximal and mid-tooth areas) as compared to a store brand product after six weeks of wear. Both brush heads were well tolerated.