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

Abstract

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.