Direct Comparison of a Novel Sonic Toothbrush With a Traditional Sonic Toothbrush on Clinical Signs of Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

28 systemically healthy, nonsmoking subjects were randomized equally into two groups in this 4-week, parallel clinical trial: WSF or ST. Inflammation was measured using bleeding on probing (BOP) and modified gingival index (MGI). Plaque was scored using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI). Subjects used an American Dental Association standard toothpaste and were provided both written and verbal instructions for their assigned sonic toothbrush. Data was collected at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the mean change between the two groups.

Both groups significantly reduced BOP from baseline scores at 2 weeks and 4 weeks. WSF reduced BOP by 50% or more for all areas measured at 4 weeks. WSF was more effective than ST for whole mouth, proximal, facial proximal, and lingual proximal BOP at 4 weeks (Table 1).

Both groups significantly reduced MGI from baseline scores at 2 weeks and 4 weeks. WSF reduced MGI scores between 12.9% and 18.5%. WSF was more effective than ST for whole mouth, proximal, and facial proximal MGI at 4 weeks (Table 2).

WSF reduced plaque from baseline scores at 2 weeks and 4 weeks. ST reduced all plaque scores from baseline except gingival margin at 2 weeks (P = .088). WSF was more effective at reducing plaque at the gingival margin and proximal areas at 2 weeks.

The study was underpowered to determine differences between groups at 4 weeks.

Several gingival inflammation end points and two plaque end points were adequately powered and showed the WSF superior to the ST. Both products were safe to use.

Study conducted at All Sum Research Center, Ltd., Mississauga,
Ontario, Canada

C. Ram Goyal, BDS
President and Principle Investigator, All Sum Research Center Ltd.,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Jimmy G. Qaqish, BSc
Vice President of Clinical Operations, All Sum Research Center Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Reinhard Schuller, MSc
Senior Consultant, Reinhard Schuller Consulting,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Deborah M. Lyle, RDH, BS, MS
Director of Professional and Clinical Affairs, Water Pik, Inc.,
Fort Collins, Colorado