Gingival Cell Proliferation Induced by Use of a Sonic Toothbrush With Warmed Silicone Rubber Bristles

Abstract

The sonic toothbrush with silicone rubber bristles induced gingival fibroblast proliferation to a greater degree than a manual toothbrush. Warming the silicone rubber bristles increased their stimulatory effects on the proliferative activity of gingival cells.

The effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound in a 3D ex vivo orthodontic model

“…Such a finding is consistent with previous reports that demonstrated that ultrasound may enhance fibroblast proliferation. 24,25 The slightly increased periodontal ligament cell count in the tension side more than in the compression side may be due to the specific biomechanical stresses in the tension side which may increase cell proliferation. [26][27][28] The results obtained in this study at 10 min are in agreement with a previous study that showed that ultrasound stimulates fibroblast proliferation when exposed for 5 and 10 min.…”

Literature Review of Gingival Massage

“…Massage reportedly has no effect at 0.5mm or beyond the point of contact with the toothbrush [16] and the increase in hemoglobin oxygen saturation in the gums only lasts 30 minutes [11]. In regard to massage by means of tools other than a toothbrush, it is reported from the viewpoint of cell proliferation that the efficacy of massage using a sonic toothbrush made of silicone rubber can be obtained in a shorter period of time than massage using a regular manual toothbrush [17]. Furthermore, it is reported that a greater post-massage increased blood flow and a longer duration of increase are achieved through massage with an originally developed electric gum massager with a rubber tip than through massage with a normal bristled toothbrush or the fingers [18].…”