Studies on the Effects of Different Types of Electric Toothbrushes on Plaque Removal and Toothbrushing Pressure

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of four electric toothbrushes and a manual toothbrush on plaque removal and toothbrushing pressure. Four electric toothbrushes (Plak Control ®BRAUN), Power toothbrush ® (NATIONAL ®, DENT. EX electric toothbrush ®) (LION), INTERPLAK ® (BAUSCH & LOMB) and a manual toothbrush (PROCT ® R-4 (M) (Sunstar)) were used in this study. The manual toothbrush was designed as follows: nylon bristles (0.20mm in diameter), round ends, 10mm in length, 3 rows, 23 tufts, straight handle. Fifteen subjects participated in this experiment. Plaque scores were measured before and after toothbrushing, and plaque removal rates were claculated. The toothbrushing pressures were determined by modified Watanabe's method. The results were as follows: 1. No statistically significant differences in total plaque removal were found among the four electric toothbrushes and a manual toothbrush. 2. Statistically significant differences in toothbrushing pressure were found between Power toothbrush (®a) nd INTERPLAK ®, a nd between PROCT ® and INTERPLAK ® . (p