Efficacy of Two Sonic Toothbrushes in Reducing Extrinsic Tooth Stain: An 8-week Randomized Clinical Trial
Efficacy of Two Sonic Toothbrushes in Reducing Extrinsic Tooth Stain: An 8-week Randomized Clinical Trial
The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of reduction of extrinsic stains between 2 commercially available Oclean sonic toothbrushes in comparison with an Oral-B manual toothbrush.
Extrinsic tooth stain, especially on anterior teeth, is a common aesthetic issue that affect smile and self-confidence. Epidemiological studies show that dissatisfaction with tooth color impacts approximately 20% to 60% of various population groups. In a Chinese urban sample, 52.6% reported dissatisfaction with tooth color. Patients often express a desire to achieve whiter teeth, as it improves smile aesthetics, attractiveness and quality of life. It also promotes overall oral health and well-being.
Mechanical tooth cleaning through brushing remains the most effective approach for daily oral hygiene, effectively removing plaque and stain to maintain oral health, irrespective of the use of dentifrice. The effectiveness of manual toothbrush is predominantly influenced by users' brushing habits and their compliance with professional recommendations.
The electric toothbrush was first introduced in Switzerland in 1954. It was designed to simulate and enhance manual brushing motions, thereby potentially offering an improved cleaning experience. Modern electric toothbrushes feature integrated timers, pressure sensors, multiple brushing modes, and Bluetooth-enabled apps to enhance brushing duration and quality. The Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush and Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush, developed by a Shenzhen-based Chinese company, exemplify these innovations. Both sonic toothbrushes feature silent motor technology to reduce noise, avoid resonant frequencies to lessen facial discomfort, and provide real-time pressure feedback to prevent excessive brushing force. Together, these enhancements ensure a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable brushing experience. While both models share core manufacturing parameters, the Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush provides a higher driving torque (2.16 N.cm) than the Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush (1.96 N.cm).
The inclusion criteria were: 1) aged 18-70 years; 2) good general health; 3) ability to attend all scheduled visits over the 8-week study period; 4) possession of more than 20 natural permanent teeth, excluding third molars, which are free of crowns or extensive restorative materials; 5) at least 12 anterior teeth suitable for scoring (i.e., free of crowns, veneers, large restorations, trauma, or non-vital pulp); 6) a whole-mouth mean Lobene stain composite score greater than 1.
Exclusion criteria included: 1) severe oral or systemic diseases; 2) advanced periodontal diseases; 3) pregnancy or lactation; 4) dental fluorosis or tetracycline staining; 5) orthodontic appliances or partial removable dentures; 6) participation in other clinical trials; 7) professional prophylaxis within 3 months or tooth whitening within 6 months; and 8) known allergy to study products.