Evaluation of an oscillating-rotating toothbrush with micro-vibrations versus a sonic toothbrush for the reduction of plaque and gingivitis: results from a randomized controlled trial

Purpose To compare a novel oscillating-rotating (O-R) electric rechargeable toothbrush with micro-vibrations to a marketed premium sonic toothbrush for reduction of gingivitis and plaque in an 8-week randomized controlled trial. Methods Adult subjects with evidence of gingivitis and plaque were randomized to use either the novel O-R brush (Oral-B iO) or the sonic brush with sodium fluoride dentifrice twice daily. Assessments at baseline and week 8 included the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). Gingivitis status ('healthy'/'not healthy') was classified per the American Academy of Periodontology/European Federation of Periodontology criteria. Results Ninety subjects were randomized to treatment and completed the study. Subjects had a mean age of 49.2 years; 68 were females. At baseline, the mean number (standard deviation [SD]) of bleeding sites for all subjects was 32.8 (16.43). At week 8, the O-R brush group had a higher percentage of 'healthy' gingiva subjects than the sonic brush group (84% vs. 53% P = 0.003). In the between-group comparisons at week 8, the O-R brush group showed statistically significantly greater reductions (P < 0.001) compared to the sonic group for MGI, GBI, and number of bleeding sites. The O-R brush group also had statistically significantly greater plaque removal (P <= 0.011) than the sonic brush group for whole mouth plaque as well as plaque in the proximal regions and along the gingival margin. Conclusions The novel O-R electric toothbrush with micro-vibrations provided greater plaque and gingivitis reductions than the marketed premium sonic toothbrush over 8 weeks.