Spread of cholera with newer clones of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor, serotype inaba, in India

During 2004 and 2005, cholera was recorded in 15 states of India, with 7 outbreaks. The newly emerged Vibrio cholerae O1 Inaba had a different antibiogram and ribotype, different pulsotypes, and different mutations in the wbeT gene. Due to the absence of serogroup O139, the Inaba serotype may have acquired the potential to affect the population at large.

Evaluation of the plaque removal efficacy of three power toothbrushes

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this randomized, single use, single blind, single center, 4-group parallel clinical study was to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of three power toothbrushes and a manual toothbrush.

METHODS

One hundred forty-four (144) subjects completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four toothbrush groups: Sonicare Elite, Oral-B Sonic Complete, Waterpik Sensonic or Oral-B Indicator (manual). Subjects abstained from brushing 23-25 hours prior to the pre-brushing data collection. Pre-brushing scores were obtained using the Rustogi modified navy plaque index (RMNPI). Post-brushing RMNPI scores were obtained after a supervised uninstructed two-minute brushing with the assigned toothbrush. Scores were recorded for whole mouth, marginal region, and approximal region for each subject.

RESULTS

Pre-brush comparability of whole mouth, marginal and approximal regions indicated no statistical differences among the four groups for any of the three measurement regions. All four toothbrushes showed statistically significant change from pre-brush to post-brush scores for whole mouth, marginal region, and approximal region. The Waterpik Sensonic provided significantly greater reduction in plaque as measured by the RMNPI compared to the other three brushes for whole mouth (89%), marginal area (81%) and approximal area (97%). The only exception was for adjusted p-values for the approximal area compared to the Oral-B Sonic Complete (p = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

All groups demonstrated a significant reduction in plaque. The single use plaque removal efficacy of the Waterpik Sensonic toothbrush compared favorably to the other two power toothbrushes, the Sonicare Elite and the Oral-B Sonic Complete, and compared favorably to the manual toothbrush, the Oral-B Indicator.

A comparison of the plaque removal efficacy of two power toothbrushes: Oral-b Professional Care Series versus Sonicare Elite

AIM

To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy of an oscillating/ pulsating toothbrush (Professional Care Series, Oral-B Laboratories; PCS) and a high frequency toothbrush (Sonicare Elite, Philips Oral Healthcare; SE).

METHODS

The study had a randomised, examiner-blind, crossover design. Sixty-one subjects aged 19-64 years were enrolled. After 23-25 hours of no oral hygiene, subjects received an oral tissue examination and those with pre-brushing whole mouth mean plaque scores > or = 0.60 measured by the Rustogi modified Navy Plaque Index were randomly assigned to treatment sequence. Subjects brushed with their assigned toothbrush for 2 minutes using a commercially available dentifrice. Oral tissues were then re-examined and post-brushing plaque scores recorded. After a brief washout period, the above procedures were repeated with the alternate toothbrush. One examiner blinded to the treatment sequence performed all clinical measurements.

RESULTS

All 61 subjects completed the study. Both toothbrushes significantly reduced plaque levels after a single brushing (t-test, p < 0.0001). However, the PCS was significantly more effective than the SE in whole mouth plaque removal and in reducing plaque from marginal, buccal, lingual and approximal surfaces (ANOVA, p < 0.0001). Whole mouth plaque was reduced by 88% versus 61% and approximal plaque by 97% versus 73% for the PCS and SE toothbrushes, respectively. There was no evidence of hard or soft tissue trauma after a single-use of either toothbrush.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of this single-use clinical evaluation, the action of the oscillating/ pulsating power toothbrush is more effective at plaque removal than a high frequency power toothbrush.

Plaque removal efficacy of two electric toothbrushes with different brush head designs

OBJECTIVES.: To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy of two electric toothbrushes, one a rechargeable oscillating/pulsating toothbrush with a small round brush head (Oral-B ProfessionalCaretrade mark 7000; PC 7000), the other a battery-operated toothbrush with a dual moving brush head (Crest(R) SpinBrushtrade mark Pro; SBP). METHODS.: The study had a randomised, examiner-blind, two-arm crossover design. All subjects received an oral prophylaxis and used both toothbrushes on alternating days for a two-week practice period. After abstaining from all oral hygiene procedures for 23-25 hours, subjects received an oral tissue examination and those with pre-brushing whole mouth mean plaque scores >/=0.60 measured by the Rustogi et al. Modified Navy Plaque Index were randomly assigned to treatment sequence. Subjects brushed with their assigned toothbrush for 2 minutes using a commercially available dentifrice. Oral tissues were then re-examined and post-brushing plaque scores recorded. After a brief washout period, the above procedures were repeated with the alternate toothbrush. One examiner, blinded to the treatment sequence, performed all clinical measurements. RESULTS.: A total of 70 subjects (24 males and 46 females) were enrolled and completed the study. Each toothbrush was found to be safe and significantly reduced plaque levels after a single brushing. The PC 7000 was significantly more effective in plaque removal than the SBP at all tooth areas, reducing whole mouth plaque by 61% versus 58% and plaque from approximal surfaces by 69% versus 65%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS.: The action of the oscillating/pulsating toothbrush with a small round brush head, Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000, is more effective in plaque removal than the battery-operated Crest SpinBrush Pro toothbrush with a larger dual moving brush head.

Single-use plaque removal efficacy of three power toothbrushes

OBJECTIVES.: To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy of two oscillating/rotating/pulsating toothbrushes (Oral-B ProfessionalCaretrade mark 7000 [PC 7000] and Oral-B 3D Excel [3DE]) and a high-frequency toothbrush (Sonicare(R) Advance, Philips Oral Healthcare; SA) in a single-use, examiner-blind, three period crossover study. METHODS.: After refraining from all oral hygiene procedures for 23-25 hours, subjects received an oral tissue examination and those with pre-brushing whole mouth mean plaque scores 0.6 based on the Rustogi et al. Modified Navy Plaque Index were randomly assigned to treatment sequence. After brushing with the assigned toothbrush and a commercially available dentifrice for 2 minutes, oral tissues were then re-examined and post-brushing plaque scores recorded. Following a brief washout period between two additional visits, the above procedures were repeated with the two alternate toothbrushes. One examiner, blinded to the treatment sequence, performed all clinical measurements. RESULTS.: A total of 79 subjects (28 males and 51 females) were enrolled and completed the study. Each toothbrush was found to be safe and significantly reduced plaque levels after a single brushing. The PC 7000 and 3DE were equally more effective in plaque removal than the SA, at all tooth areas, reducing plaque by 59.0%, 59.7% and 51.8%, respectively on whole mouth surfaces, and by 67.5%, 67.8% and 59.4%, respectively on approximal surfaces. CONCLUSIONS.: The action of the oscillating/rotating/pulsating toothbrushes (Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000 and Oral-B 3D Excel) was more effective in plaque removal than the high-frequency toothbrush (Sonicare Advance).

Efficacy of a novel brush head in the comparison of two power toothbrushes on removal of plaque and naturally occurring extrinsic stain

OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety and efficacy of an oscillating/pulsating power toothbrush (Oral-B ProfessionalCareTM 7000; PC 7000) fitted with either the standard FlexiSoft (PC 7000/EB17) brush head or the novel Pro Polisher (PC 7000/ EB-Prophy) and a high-frequency toothbrush (Philips Sonicare Elite; SE), in their relative ability to remove plaque and naturally occurring extrinsic dental stain over a six-week period.

METHODS

This randomised, examiner-blind, parallel group study involved 90 healthy subjects from a general population. All subjects received a baseline plaque (Turesky et al. modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index), stain (Lobene Stain Index) and tooth shade (VITAPAN Shade Guide) [Vita] assessment and an oral tissue examination. After training in the use of their randomly assigned device, subjects were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 min and returned after 3, 4 and 6 weeks of product use for a repeat of each clinical assessment.

RESULTS

Reductions from baseline in mean plaque and extrinsic dental stain scores were significant at Weeks 3, 4 and 6 in all three treatment groups. By Week 6, mean reductions from baseline in whole mouth plaque scores were 32%, 27% and 14% in the PC 7000/EB-Prophy, PC 7000/EB17 and SE groups, respectivety. For the body of the tooth, mean reductions from baseline at Week 6 in total stain were 89%, 89% and 80%, respectively. Between treatment group comparisons consistently revealed that the PC 7000 toothbrush plus the EB-Prophy or EB17 brush head removed significantly more plaque and extrinsic stain (total stain, stain area and stain intensity) than the SE toothbrush at 3, 4 and 6 weeks. The EB-Prophy group had a greater proportion of subjects showing a 2-3+ change in Vita shade scores at each time point compared to the other two brushes; at Week 6 the proportions were 67% in the PC 7000/EB-Prophy group, 30% in the PC 7000/EB17 group, and 7% in the SE group. The PC 7000/EB17, PC 7000/EB-Prophy and the SE were found to be safe as used in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The oscillating/rotating/pulsating PC 7000 (fitted with either the standard EB17 or novel EB-Prophy brush head) is more effective at removal of plaque and naturally occurring extrinsic tooth stain, and the PC 7000 plus EB-Prophy in the improvement of tooth shade, than the high-frequency SE toothbrush.

Single-use plaque removal efficacy of three power toothbrushes

OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy of two oscillating/rotating/pulsating toothbrushes (Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000 [PC 7000] and Oral-B 3D Excel [3DE]) and a high-frequency toothbrush (Sonicare Advance, Philips Oral Healthcare; SA) in a single-use, examiner-blind, three period crossover study.

METHODS

After refraining from all oral hygiene procedures for 23-25 hours, subjects received an oral tissue examination and those with pre-brushing whole mouth mean plaque scores > or = 0.6 based on the Rustogi et al. Modified Navy Plaque Index were randomly assigned to treatment sequence. After brushing with the assigned toothbrush and a commercially available dentifrice for 2 minutes, oral tissues were then re-examined and post-brushing plaque scores recorded. Following a brief washout period between two additional visits, the above procedures were repeated with the two alternate toothbrushes. One examiner, blinded to the treatment sequence, performed all clinical measurements.

RESULTS

A total of 79 subjects (28 males and 51 females) were enrolled and completed the study. Each toothbrush was found to be safe and significantly reduced plaque levels after a single brushing. The PC 7000 and 3DE were equally more effective in plaque removal than the SA, at all tooth areas, reducing plaque by 59.0%, 59.7% and 51.8%, respectively on whole mouth surfaces, and by 67.5%, 67.8% and 59.4%, respectively on approximal surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

The action of the oscillating/rotating/pulsating toothbrushes (Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000 and Oral-B 3D Excel) was more effective in plaque removal than the high-frequency toothbrush (Sonicare Advance).

Efficacy of a novel brush head in the comparison of two power toothbrushes on removal of plaque and naturally occurring extrinsic stain

OBJECTIVES.: To compare the safety and efficacy of an oscillating/pulsating power toothbrush (Oral-B ProfessionalCaretrade mark 7000; PC 7000) fitted with either the standard FlexiSoft (PC 7000/EB17) brush head or the novel Pro Polisher (PC 7000/EB-Prophy) and a high-frequency toothbrush (Philips Sonicare(R) Elite(R); SE), in their relative ability to remove plaque and naturally occurring extrinsic dental stain over a six-week period. METHODS.: This randomised, examiner-blind, parallel group study involved 90 healthy subjects from a general population. All subjects received a baseline plaque (Turesky et al. modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index), stain (Lobene Stain Index) and tooth shade (VITAPAN(R) Shade Guide) [Vita] assessment and an oral tissue examination. After training in the use of their randomly assigned device, subjects were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 min and returned after 3, 4 and 6 weeks of product use for a repeat of each clinical assessment. RESULTS.: Reductions from baseline in mean plaque and extrinsic dental stain scores were significant at Weeks 3, 4 and 6 in all three treatment groups. By Week 6, mean reductions from baseline in whole mouth plaque scores were 32%, 27% and 14% in the PC 7000/EB-Prophy, PC 7000/EB17 and SE groups, respectively. For the body of the tooth, mean reductions from baseline at Week 6 in total stain were 89%, 89% and 80%, respectively. Between treatment group comparisons consistently revealed that the PC 7000 toothbrush plus the EB-Prophy or EB17 brush head removed significantly more plaque and extrinsic stain (total stain, stain area and stain intensity) than the SE toothbrush at 3, 4 and 6 weeks. The EB-Prophy group had a greater proportion of subjects showing a 2-3+ change in Vita shade scores at each time point compared to the other two brushes; at Week 6 the proportions were 67% in the PC 7000/EB-Prophy group, 30% in the PC 7000/EB17 group, and 7% in the SE group. The PC 7000/EB17, PC 7000/EB-Prophy and the SE were found to be safe as used in the study. CONCLUSIONS.: The oscillating/rotating/pulsating PC 7000 (fitted with either the standard EB17 or novel EB-Prophy brush head) is more effective at removal of plaque and naturally occurring extrinsic tooth stain, and the PC 7000 plus EB-Prophy in the improvement of tooth shade, than the high-frequency SE toothbrush.

Plaque removal efficacy of two electric toothbrushes with different brush head designs

OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy of two electric toothbrushes, one a rechargeable oscillating/pulsating toothbrush with a small round brush head (Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000; PC 7000), the other a battery-operated toothbrush with a dual moving brush head (Crest SpinBrush Pro; SBP).

METHODS

The study had a randomised, examiner-blind, two-arm crossover design. All subjects received an oral prophylaxis and used both toothbrushes on alternating days for a two-week practice period. After abstaining from all oral hygiene procedures for 23-25 hours, subjects received an oral tissue examination and those with pre-brushing whole mouth mean plaque scores > or = 0.60 measured by the Rustogi et al. Modified Navy Plaque Index were randomly assigned to treatment sequence. Subjects brushed with their assigned toothbrush for 2 minutes using a commercially available dentifrice. Oral tissues were then re-examined and post-brushing plaque scores recorded. After a brief washout period, the above procedures were repeated with the alternate toothbrush. One examiner, blinded to the treatment sequence, performed all clinical measurements.

RESULTS

A total of 70 subjects (24 males and 46 females) were enrolled and completed the study. Each toothbrush was found to be safe and significantly reduced plaque levels after a single brushing. The PC 7000 was significantly more effective in plaque removal than the SBP at all tooth areas, reducing whole mouth plaque by 61% versus 58% and plaque from approximal surfaces by 69% versus 65%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The action of the oscillating/pulsating toothbrush with a small round brush head, Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000, is more effective in plaque removal than the battery-operated Crest SpinBrush Pro toothbrush with a larger dual moving brush head.

Plaque removal efficacy and safety of the next generation of manual toothbrush with angled bristle technology: results from three comparative clinical studies

PURPOSE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a novel angled-bristled toothbrush in comparison with three established brushes.

METHODS

The Oral-B CrossAction Vitalizer toothbrush was compared with two manual toothbrushes, the Oral-B CrossAction and Oral-B Advantage, and the battery-operated Crest SpinBrush Pro brush in three independent single-use, examiner-blind, crossover studies. In each study, over 50 healthy subjects from a normal population brushed with their randomly assigned toothbrush for 1 minute without instruction. Subjects returned after a 1-week washout period and brushed with the alternate toothbrush. At each visit, oral hard and soft tissues and plaque were examined before and after brushing. Plaque was evaluated using the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index.

RESULTS

Each tested toothbrush significantly (P=0.0001) reduced plaque levels after a single brushing. However, in all three studies, the CrossAction Vitalizer was significantly (P=0.0001) more effective than the comparator brushes in plaque removal from the whole mouth, the gingival margin and approximal surfaces. All toothbrushes were found to be safe with no evidence of oral hard or soft tissue trauma.

Plaque removal efficacy of a novel tooth wipe

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the safety and plaque removal efficacy of a tooth wipe (Oral-B Brush-Ups) using a manual toothbrush as a control.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty-five healthy subjects from a general population were enrolled in this randomized, single-use, crossover study. After 23-25 hours of no oral hygiene, oral hard and soft tissues were examined, and disclosed plaque was scored using the Turesky, et al. modification of the Quigley Hein Plaque Index. Subjects used their randomly assigned product for a timed period of one minute without instruction, after which hard and soft tissues and plaque scores were reassessed. Subjects returned to the clinic after a one-week washout period, and the clinical procedures were repeated before and after use of the alternate product. All clinical measurements were made by one examiner who was masked to treatment sequence.

RESULTS

Both the tooth wipe and toothbrush were found to be safe, and significantly reduced plaque levels from whole mouth, facial, and lingual surfaces (p < 0.0001). The toothbrush removed significantly greater plaque than the tooth wipe (p < 0.0001) on whole mouth surfaces (49% vs. 29%), facial surfaces (71% vs. 44%), and lingual surfaces (25% vs. 13%).

CONCLUSION

The tooth wipe provides an effective method of plaque removal when tooth brushing is not practical.

Antiplaque and antigingivitis effectiveness of a hexetidine mouthwash

OBJECTIVE

To assess the antiplaque/antigingivitis efficacy of a hexetidine-containing mouthwash.

METHODS

This examiner-blind, parallel group, controlled clinical study examined the effectiveness of a hexetidine (0.1%) mouthwash both in inhibiting the development of supragingival plaque and in reducing gingivitis. One hundred and thirty-four adult subjects completed the 2-week experimental gingivitis model study. Following baseline examinations, which included plaque index, modified gingival index and gingival bleeding index, subjects received a full dental prophylaxis. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three mouthwashes (hexetidine 0.1%, chlorhexidine 0.12% (positive control) or a 5% hydroalcohol negative control) and commenced three times daily supervised rinsing as their sole method of oral hygiene. All indices were rescored after 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Compared to the negative control group, the hexetidine group demonstrated a statistically significant inhibition and reduction of supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation with reductions of 6.3%, 33.5% and 56% for gingivitis, plaque and gingival bleeding, respectively. The results of the chlorhexidine group were used to validate the study.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms the efficacy of a hexetidine rinse in reducing supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation.

Comparative effectiveness of an essential oil mouthrinse and dental floss in controlling interproximal gingivitis and plaque

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of rinsing with an essential oil-containing antimicrobial mouthrinse with that of dental floss in reducing interproximal gingivitis and plaque in an unsupervised 6-month clinical trial designed in accordance with ADA Acceptance Program Guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

319 qualifying subjects, aged 18-63, were randomized into one of three groups: essential oil mouthrinse (Listerine Antiseptic); dental floss (Reach Dental Floss); or a negative control rinse. At baseline, subjects received a complete oral soft tissue examination and scoring of the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (PI), and bleeding index (BI). Following a complete dental prophylaxis and receiving flossing or rinsing instructions, subjects started on their respective regimen. They continued on their assigned regimen unsupervised at home, in addition to toothbrushing, and were reexamined at 3 and 6 months. The treatment groups were compared with respect to baseline demographic and clinical variables. The primary efficacy variables were mean interproximal MGI and PI at 6 months. Intergroup differences at 3 and 6 months were tested using a one-way analysis of covariance model with treatment as a factor and the respective baseline value as the covariate. In addition, the essential oil mouthrinse was compared to floss for interproximal gingivitis reduction using "at least as good as" statistical criteria.

RESULTS

301 subjects were considered evaluable. There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 groups at baseline, with the exception of the essential oil mouthrinse group having significantly fewer AfroAmerican subjects than the other two groups. For the interproximal MGI, the essential oil mouthrinse and flossing were both significantly more effective than the negative control (P < 0.001) at 3 and 6 months. The essential oil mouthrinse was shown to be "at least as good as" dental floss for the control of interproximal gingivitis. For the interproximal PI, the essential oil mouthrinse was significantly more effective than the negative control at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.001) while flossing was significantly more effective than the negative control at 3 months (P < 0.05) but not at 6 months. The essential oil mouthrinse was significantly more effective than floss (P < 0.001) at both these time periods.

Clinical profile of tuberculosis in patients with HIV Infection/AIDS

Tuberculosis is said to be one of the commonest opportunistic infection in patients with HIV/ AIDS. A study was carried out to study the clinical, bacteriological and radiological features of HIV/TB patients. Over a period of two years, a total of 301 tuberculosis patients were suspected to have HIV/AIDS co-infection, and upon testing, 42 patients were found to be HIV seropositive. Most of the study patients were manual labourers followed by truck drivers. Sexual (heterosexual) route was found to be the major risk factor for HIV/AIDS. The most common symptom in these patients was cough and expectoration, followed by fever and weight loss. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear positivity was found in 21.4% patients. On chest skiagram, infiltrative lesions were commonly seen in 61.9% patients. Extra-pulmonary tubercular manifestations were seen in 45.6% of HIV/TB cases.

The effect of two power toothbrushes on calculus and stain formation

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy with respect to the control of calculus and stain of two power toothbrushes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-over study involving a total of 81 subjects from a general population who used, in a randomized sequence, the Braun Oral-B 3D Excel (D17) and the Sonicare toothbrush with a conventional dentifrice, and a manual brush with a tartar control dentifrice. The manual toothbrush with tartar control dentifrice served as a positive control with respect to control of calculus. Following 9 weeks of manual brush use with a conventional, non-abrasive dentifrice, each test brush was used for a period of 9 weeks, after which subjects switched to the next brush in the sequence. Calculus was scored using the Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index and stain using the Lobene Stain Index.

RESULTS

All three brushes were found to be safe as used in the study. All three toothbrushes significantly reduced the levels of calculus as compared to the control period. Reduction from baseline in the rate of calculus formation was greatest in the D17 group (63%), followed by the manual brush with tartar control dentifrice (60%) and Sonicare (44%). Both the D17 and the manual brush were significantly more effective than Sonicare (P< 0.001). The D17 was also more effective at controlling stain formation than either Sonicare or the manual brush with tartar control dentifrice at the gingival margin, the difference from Sonicare being statistically significant for all analyses (P< 0.0001). It is concluded that the D17 is significantly more effective in reducing both the rate of calculus and stain formation than the Sonicare toothbrush.

The clinical efficacy of Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste containing a special grade of silica and Colgate Total Toothpaste for controlling breath odor twelve hours after toothbrushing: a single-use clinical study

The objective of this double-blind clinical study, conducted in harmony with American Dental Association guidelines, was to compare a new dentifrice formulation variant of Colgate Total Toothpaste containing a special grade of silica (Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste) to the commercially available, ADA-Accepted and clinically proven Colgate Total Toothpaste for controlling breath odor twelve hours after brushing the teeth. Breath odor was evaluated by a panel of three examiners using a nine-point hedonic scale. Following a baseline evaluation of breath odor, prospective study subjects who scored above the threshold value for unpleasant breath odor were stratified by score and randomized into two treatment groups. Subjects were provided with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brushed their teeth thoroughly in their regular and customary manner with their assigned dentifrice. Subjects refrained from dental hygiene, breath mints or mounthrinses for the next twelve hours, after which they were again evaluated for breath odor. Eighty-three (83) adult male and female subjects from the Mississauga, Ontario, Canada area participated in the study. At twelve hours after brushing their teeth, subjects in both dentifrice treatment groups presented mean breath odor scores which were statistically significantly lower than the mean scores observed at baseline. Importantly, there was no statistical difference between the two dentifrices of the mean twelve-hour breath odor scores. The mean twelve-hour breath scores for the Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste group and the Colgate Total Toothpaste group were 4.89 and 4.67, respectively, which are within the range of values corresponding to pleasant breath odor. Thus, the results of this double-blind clinical study, conducted according to a protocol which had been approved by the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Dental Association, support the conclusion that Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste and Colgate Total Toothpaste provide effective control of breath odor at twelve hours after toothbrushing.

Safety and plaque removal efficacy of a battery-operated power toothbrush and a manual toothbrush

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and plaque removal efficacy of a battery-operated power toothbrush and a reference adult manual toothbrush.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-blind, randomized, split-mouth study. The power toothbrush studied was the Braun Oral-B Battery toothbrush (D4) and this was compared with a standard reference ADA manual toothbrush. The D4 toothbrush is derived from the Plaque Remover range of toothbrushes and has an oscillating/rotating action. At an initial visit, subjects (n = 48) were given a baseline examination of the oral hard and soft tissues and were instructed in the use of the D4. After one week during which subjects used the D4 at home, they returned to the test facility having abstained from oral hygiene for 23-25 hours. Two contralateral quadrants of the mouth were then randomly assigned to be cleaned with each toothbrush. Plaque assessments and hard and soft tissue examinations were made before and after brushing each quadrant for 15 seconds. Plaque was evaluated using the Rustogi modification of the Navy Plaque Index.

RESULTS

Plaque levels were significantly reduced for all sites, marginal sites and approximal sites by both toothbrushes (P < 0.0001), but the efficacy of the D4 was significantly greater than that of the ADA manual brush for all comparisons (P < 0.0001). The greatest difference between the two toothbrushes was at approximal sites where the D4 removed 19% more plaque than the manual toothbrush. For all sites, the D4 was 14% more effective, while at marginal sites the difference in favor of the D4 was 12%.

Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a battery-powered toothbrush. results from two independent studies

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical efficacy with respect to plaque removal of a battery-operated power toothbrush (Dr. Johns Spin Brush Classic) with two manual toothbrushes, a standard ADA flat trim reference brush and the Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Efficacy was evaluated in two independent studies using a randomized, single-use, cross-over design. Healthy adult subjects from a general population brushed their teeth for a timed 1 min and plaque was scored before and after brushing was completed. In Study 1 (Spin Brush vs. ADA toothbrush), plaque was scored using the modified Quigley and Hein Plaque Index, while in Study 2 (Spin Brush vs. CrossAction) plaque was scored using the Modified Navy Plaque Index. In addition, a hard and soft tissue examination was carried out before and after brushing to allow evaluation of safety.

RESULTS

In Study 1, both the ADA toothbrush and the Spin Brush significantly reduced levels of whole mouth and approximal plaque (P < 0.0005); however, the Spin Brush was not significantly more effective than the manual brush. Relative plaque reduction for the whole mouth was 35.6 +/- 16.0% for the Spin Brush compared to 38.9 +/- 14.9% for the manual toothbrush (P < 0.047), and, for the approximal surfaces, 32.7 +/- 14.6% and 36.3 +/- 13.7%, respectively (P = 0.024). In Study 2, both toothbrushes significantly reduced plaque levels (P < 0.0001), but, as for Study 1, the CrossAction manual toothbrush was more effective than the Spin Brush. For whole mouth, marginal and approximal sites, respectively, the Spin Brush reduced plaque by 54.3%, 43.5% and 62.0%, compared with 58.6%, 47.5% and 67.1% for the CrossAction toothbrush. The difference in favor of the CrossAction brush was statistically significant (P < 0.0005) for all areas.

An evaluation of a commercial chewing gum in combination with normal toothbrushing for reducing dental plaque and gingivitis

New evidence suggests a beneficial outcome to chewing a sugarless gum as an added component to a regular, twice-daily toothbrushing regimen. Results of a 4-week study performed on 78 adults with preexisting gingivitis showed a significant reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis when the test group of 39 adults chewed 2 pieces of ARM & HAMMER Dental Care The Baking Soda Gum (AHDC)--a sugar-free chewing gum containing sorbitol, malitol, xylitol, and sodium bicarbonate--for 20 minutes twice a day in conjunction with once-daily toothbrushing for 60 seconds. The control group, also comprised of 39 adults, used breath mints (the study placebo) twice a day in conjunction with the same toothbrushing regimen. There were no statistically significant differences in plaque and gingivitis scores at the baseline examination. Using the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index, the test group experienced a 17% reduction in plaque over 4 weeks, while the control group reduced their plaque amounts by approximately 9% over the same period. Lobene's Mean Gingivitis Index scores were equally significant: a nearly 10% decline for the test group compared to almost 2% for the control group. This article describes the 4-week study and its promising results.

A graphic display for the presentation of site-wise odds ratios for score transitions to augment the traditional findings from clinical studies employing dental indexes

Many of the parameters used in clinical dental research involve the assessment of a condition at each of a number of sites within the mouth. Traditionally, such measurements are averaged over all sites within the mouth (or over all sites of a specified type) for each study participant before statistical analysis. However, a consideration of the original, site-wise scores may provide some additional insights into the performance of therapeutic modalities that might not be made evident through an application of the traditional, means-based approach. A method based on the calculation of site-wise odds ratios of certain types of baseline-to-final examination score transitions was applied to the modified gingival index data from two clinical studies performed to investigate the effect of the daily chewing of a commercially available chewing gum relative to a mint control. A graphical display of these site-specific findings was prepared, which indicated that the chewing gum regimen tended to be associated with a higher frequency of occurrence of favorable score transitions than was the mint control at several measurement sites throughout the mouth.