Cleansing efficacy of an auto-cleaning toothbrushing device with nylon bristles: a randomized-controlled pilot study

Abstract

Objectives To compare the cleansing efficacy of an auto-cleaning device with nylon bristles (Y-brush®) to that of manual toothbrushing. Materials and methods Twenty probands refrained from oral hygiene for 3 days. Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index was assessed before and after (randomized) toothbrushing either with the auto-cleaning device for 5 s per jaw or with a manual toothbrush for a freely chosen time up to 4 min. The clinical investigation was repeated in a cross-over design. In a third trial period, the brushing time for auto-cleaning was increased to 15 s per jaw. The study was supplemented by plaster cast analyses. Results Full-mouth plaque reduction was higher with manual toothbrushing than with auto-cleaning for 5 s per jaw (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference on smooth tooth surfaces but on marginal and interdental sites. Increasing the brushing time of auto-cleaning to 15 s per jaw resulted in a comparable full-mouth plaque reduction as with manual toothbrushing (p = 0.177). In 95% of individuals, the device was too short not completely covering second molars. In 30.67% of teeth, the gingival margin was not covered by bristles. Conclusions Auto-cleaning devices with nylon bristles have a future potential to reach plaque reduction levels comparable to manual toothbrushing, although manufacturers must focus on improving an accurate fit. Clinical relevance Under the premise of an ameliorated fit, the auto-cleaning device might be recommendable for people with low brushing efficacy. Interdental sites remain a failure point if adjunct interdental cleaning is not viable.

Efficacy of an automatic electric toothbrush with nylon bristles in dental plaque removal: a cross-over randomized controlled trial

“…The results of the present study agree with a recent pilot RCT on the efficacy of Y-brush compared to manual brushing by Keller et al [ 8 ]. They found that full-mouth plaque reduction was higher with manual toothbrushing than Y-brush used for 5 s. For evaluating the effect of longer brushing with the Y Brush, Keller et al [ 8 ] increased the brushing time from 5 to 15 s per arch. Ten volunteers were willing to participate in this second part of the study (non-blinded, nonrandomized).…”

“…However, a new Y-shaped automatic electric toothbrush (Y-brush) with nylon bristles and with action on each separate arch, has recently been proposed in a pilot RCT [ 8 ].…”

Effect of Different Cleaning Regimes on Biofilm Formation of Acrylic-Based Removable Orthodontic Appliance: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…This disagreement could be due to the difference in the experimental setting, where the clinical study may have a different variety of microbial populations, in addition to patients' perceived instructions, i.e., verbal and visual instructions, which might impact the outcomes. Furthermore, the difference in patients' dexterity could explain the disparity in cleaning outcomes using the brushing method [ 33 , 34 ].…”

The global burden of plastics in oral health: prospects for circularity, sustainable materials development and practice

“…18,25 Regardless of manufacturer and consumer preferences, bristles of different types of nylon are effective in removing debris, bacteria, and biolms from oral tissues. 21,26 Other polymers that can be used to produce bristles are polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). These are widely available lightweight polymers that can produce bristles at low cost.…”

“…18,25 Regardless of manufacturer and consumer preferences, bristles of different types of nylon are effective in removing debris, bacteria, and biofilms from oral tissues. 21,26…”