Clinical Effects of the Counter-Rotational Action Powered Toothbrush and the Reciprocating Powered Toothbrush on Supragingival Plaque and Gingivitis

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of two rechargeable powered toothbrushes, the counter-rotational action powered toothbrush (INTERPLAK®) and the reciprocating powered toothbrush (Power brush®), in removing supragingival plaque and resolving gingivitis. Sixty adults with gingivitis and slight periodontitis were randomly assigned to one of the two powered toothbrush groups. Plaque scores before and after brushing were assessed and soft tissue abrasiveness and gingival inflammation were checked at baseline, 2, 4, and 8 weeks by blind examiners. There was no statistical significance of mean values between the two groups at the baseline. The results suggested that the counter-rotational action powered toothbrush was more effective than the reciprocating powered toothbrush in removing supragingival plaque, and that there was no significant superiority of either type of powered toothbrushes in resolving gingivitis. However, a questionnaire given after the final examination indicated that inconvenience was experienced slightly more often by the counter-rotational action powered toothbrush group.