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

Abstract

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