A 3-month clinical investigation comparing the safety and efficacy of a novel electric toothbrush (Braun Oral-B 3D Plaque Remover) with a manual toothbrush.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel electric toothbrush (Braun Oral-B 3D Plaque Remover) with a standard reference ADA manual toothbrush.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 114 subjects were included in a 3-month randomized, parallel group, examiner-blind study and divided into two groups: 3D users and manual toothbrush users. Subjects were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes. Evaluation of oral soft and hard tissue for safety, plaque, gingivitis and bleeding was conducted prior to the start of product use (at baseline), at days 14 and 35, and at 3 months.

RESULTS: 105 subjects (55 3D users and 50 manual toothbrush users) completed the study. At days 14, 35 and at 3 months both groups showed reductions from baseline in whole mouth plaque, gingivitis and bleeding that were statistically significant (P < 0.005), except in the case of plaque at day 35 in manual toothbrush users. At 3 months, reductions for whole mouth plaque, gingivitis and bleeding were 15%, 16% and 65%, for 3D users and 8%, 12% and 56%, for manual toothbrush users, respectively. Group differences were significant (P < 0.05) in favor of the 3D with respect to plaque reduction for the whole mouth and for interproximal and anterior lingual sites at all three time periods. With respect to gingivitis, reductions for the whole mouth and interproximal and posterior lingual sites at 3 months were significantly greater in the 3D group. There was no clinically significant soft or hard tissue abrasion in either group. In conclusion, the 3D electric toothbrush was found to be safe and had increased efficacy with respect to reduction of plaque and gingivitis compared to a manual toothbrush.