Efficacy of the Sonicare Elite(R) in plaque removal and reduction of gingival inflammation from hard-to-reach sites of the moderate periodontitis

Hong, Ji Youn; Jung, Sung Won; Um, Yoo Jung; Chae, Gyung Jun; Jung, Ui Won; Kim, Chang Sung; Choi, Seong Ho; Kim, Chong Kwan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush in plaque removal and reduction of gingivitis from hard-to-reach sites of the moderate periodontitis compared to regular manual toothbrush in 12 week follow-up. 82 subjects with incipient to moderate periodontitis were randomly assigned to use either the manual or sonic brush, instructed in its use, and asked to brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes. Plaque scores were taken at baseline, 1, 4, 12 weeks using Silness & Loe plaque index and gingival inflammation was assessed by the Loe & Silness gingival index. The results were as follows. 1. The Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush showed a significant reduction(p<0.0001) of the plaque( Silness & Loe) and gingival inflammation(Loe & Silness). 2. The Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush showed a significant better reduction of plaque and gingivitis(p<0.05) than the manual toothbrush after 1, 4, and 12 weeks. 3. The Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush demonstrated a significant reduction(p<0.0001) of the plaque in interproximal sites(p<0.0001), buccal sites(p<0.0001) and the lingual sites(p=0.0018) of the teeth. 4. The Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush demonstrated a significant reduction(p<0.0001) of the gingival inflammation in the interproximal sites(p<0.0001), the buccal sites(p<0.0001) and the lingual sites(p<0.0001) of the teeth. The results of this study support the findings that Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush has a great potential to remove the plaque and resolve the gingival inflammation during the period of 12 week.