Comparison of oral hygiene efficacy of one manual and two electric toothbrushes

The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of two electric toothbrushes (Philips HP555 and the Philips Jordan 2-action Plaque Remover HP510). A manual toothbrush (Jordan V-shaped, medium) served as control. Fifty subjects, aged 18-60 years, participated in a randomized, single-blind, 3 x 3 weeks crossover study. Plaque was assessed according to the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein index (P.I.), while the Loe-Silness index was used for assessing gingivitis. Adverse effects were assessed according to the ADA specifications. Compliance and preference were assessed through questionnaires and interviews, respectively. Al periods mean P.I. (all surfaces) were 2.79, 3.01, and 2.86 for the manual, the HP555, and the HP510 electric brushes and the corresponding gingivitis values were 1.19, 1.22, and 1.21. For both indices, only the difference between the manual and the HP555 yielded significance (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02). Most subjects (28/50) preferred the HP510 brush, as it felt more practical to use and was perceived to have better cleaning ability. In conclusion. no clinically relevant differences in plaque reducing and gingivitis controlling ability were observed.