Efficacy of a new sonic powered toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush in a young population. A randomized cross‐over clinical trial

Abstract

Objective To compare the effectiveness of dental plaque removal between a new sonic toothbrush and a manual toothbrush. Methods In total, 75 healthy dental students participated in this randomized double‐blind crossover clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (manual or sonic toothbrush) and underwent a single toothbrushing exercise. Seven days after, patients were asked to repeat the same procedure with the other toothbrush. Plaque scores were recorded before and after brushing. Results A significant mean reduction in the full‐mouth plaque index was observed after the use of both type of brushes: 46.2% ± 0.28% (p = 0.000) and 50.5% ± 0.24% (p = 0.000) for the manual and sonic toothbrush, respectively. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two types of brushes (p = 0.277). Regarding plaque reduction on the distinct tooth surfaces, differences between the groups reached statistical significance in favour of the sonic toothbrush only on the buccal sites (p = 0.003). Conclusions Both devices lead to similar plaque score reduction after a single tooth brushing.