Clinical evaluation of a light energy conversion toothbrush

Abstract

A blind, two-way crossover clinical trial was carried out to compare the effectiveness of plaque removal between a new, light energy conversion toothbrush incorporated with a semiconductor of TiO2 (test) and a similar toothbrush without the semiconductor (control). The study was completed by 73 school children aged 13-15 years. Each toothbrush was used for a period of 3 weeks. The mean differences between baseline plaque scores and after subjects used the test and control brushes were analyzed by the paired t-test. The Soladey 2 toothbrush showed significantly more reduction of plaque on the buccal surfaces of all teeth than the control brush. There was no significant difference in the plaque removing ability of the two brushes on the lingual aspects of the mandible and on the lingual surfaces of the maxillary posterior sextant. As the buccal surfaces are more likely to allow light to reach the semiconductor during brushing than the lingual areas, it is possible that the reported photocatalytic property of the semiconductor may be involved in some way in the observed reduction of plaque.

Comparison of sonic and ionic toothbrush in reduction in plaque and gingivitis

“…Plaque-removing effect of ionic toothbrush has also been reported by various other authors. [21333738] Ionic toothbrush was found to have no beneficial effect on gingiva and plaque in at least one study, probably, because of the bulky design of the brushes used in that study, which were designed to have vibratory action in addition to current transfer. This vibratory action was switched off during their study, indicating some difficulty in manipulation.…”

“…A slight increase/less reduction in parameters were seen between 30 th and 45 th day for both brushes. This may be attributed to gradual reduction of initial novelty effect[37] and/or Hawthorne effect. [14]…”

The effectiveness of an electronic toothbrush in the removal of established plaque and treatment of gingivitis

“…These electrons are capable of reducing the H"^ ions from the organic acid in the plaque. This may result in a decomposition of the bacterial plaque (Hoover et al 1992). An electron current of approximately 10 nA has been measured to run from the semiconductor to the tooth (Weiger 1988).…”

“…Irradiation with light resulted in a destruction of bacterial cells (Saito et al 1992, Morioka et al 1988). Short-term clinical toothbrush studies have shown an effect on plaque and gingivitis (Weiger 1998, Hoover et al 1992. The most recent study reported a plaque reduction which was most pronounced on the buccal surfaces.…”

“…This presumedly enhances the efficacy of the brush in plaque elimination. Sofar relatively few data are available to support the assumption of a beneficial effect (e.g.. Hoover 1992). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a 3-V power brush on established plaque and gingivitis in a 5month clinical trial.…”