A 4‐week randomized controlled trial evaluating plaque and gingivitis effects of an electric toothbrush in a paediatric population

Background Few extended studies have explored oscillating–rotating (O–R) toothbrush efficacy in young children. Aim To compare the efficacy between O–R and manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis after 4 weeks in children. Design This was a randomized, parallel‐group, examiner‐blind, clinical trial. In two 50‐subject cohorts (3–6 years, primary dentition, parental brushing; 7–10 years, mixed dentition, self‐brushing), subjects used Oral‐B Kids O–R toothbrush per manufacturer's instructions or Paro Junior manual toothbrush in a customary manner. Plaque and Modified Gingival Index (MGI; primary variable) scores were assessed at baseline and Week 4 for all subjects and within each age group. Results Both toothbrushes significantly reduced whole mouth and posterior plaque and MGI versus baseline (p