A comparative clinical study of extrinsic tooth stain removal with two electric toothbrushes [Braun D7 and D9] and a manual brush.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two oscillating/rotating toothbrushes, (Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover-D7 and Braun Oral-B Ultra Plaque Remover-D9) and a manual toothbrush with respect to removing extrinsic dental stain. MATERIALS AND METHODS This randomized, three-way cross-over study investigated 24 subjects entering the trial, which was divided into three, 5-day periods. Over the first 4 days of the study, an intense chlorhexidine/tea rinsing regimen was employed to induce extrinsic tooth staining. On day 5, each subject was assessed for tooth stain; they then brushed for a total of 2 minutes with one of the three randomly allocated toothbrushes. Stain evaluations were repeated after 30 seconds, 1 and 2 minutes brushing, with the intensity of stain, area of stain and number of sites with < 10% stained tooth area, being recorded at each assessment. RESULTS Analysis of the results showed that the two electric toothbrushes were significantly better at removing stain than the manual toothbrush. In addition, the D9 was consistently more effective than the D7, with the difference with respect to stain area achieving statistical significance (P < 0.05) after 2 minute's brushing. All three brushes were found to be safe, and there was no evidence of any soft or hard tissue abrasion. It was concluded that the oscillating/rotating electric toothbrushes were more effective in removing extrinsic dental stain than a manual brush, and that compared with the D7, the newly designed Braun Oral-B Ultra Plaque Remover has an increased potential for stain removal.