J Dent Oral Biol | Volume 6, Issue 1 | Review Article | Open Access

Is Sonic Brushing More Effective in Mixed Dentition? A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Broutin Alice1, Valera Marie-Cécile1, Silva Jennifer1, Marty Mathieu1, Tournay Elodie2, Bailleul-Forestier Isabelle1 and Noirrit-Esclassan Emmanuelle1*

1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
2Research Methodology Support Units, University Hospital, Toulouse, France

*Correspondance to: Noirrit-Esclassan 

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Abstract

Background: Sonic brushing technology is progressing and its assessment mainly concerns adults. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and the acceptance of a sonic electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush for plaque removal in children in mixed dentition. Materials and Methods: 75 children with an average age of 8.5 years were randomly assigned to a 19 days period of manual toothbrush use (Elmex Junior®, Colgate Palmolive, and Basel Switzerland) or sonic electric toothbrush use (Sonicare For Kids®, Philips, and Amsterdam Netherlands). This was followed by a wash-out period, then crossover to the other brush for 19 days. The primary endpoint of this single-blind, crossover study was the determination of the change in plaque index, quantified as the average index assessed on six teeth on either side after 19 days of use. Exploratory measurements of plaque were also made after 12 days of use of each brush and after four months. The secondary aim was to know how the children perceived the brushes. Results: There was a significantly higher plaque reduction after 19 days of use of the sonic electric brush as compared with the manual brush (-0.27 points; 95% confidence interval -0.35 to -0.19; p<0.0001). The higher the plaque index at D0, the greater the reduction in plaque index at D19 with the same period, toothbrush type and sequence. Longitudinal analysis showed a continuous decrease in the plaque index between D0, D12 and D19 with the electric toothbrush. During the four-month re-evaluation, the plaque index was, on average, lower than that measured at the start of the study. Children’s perceptions of the two types of brushes were recorded. Conclusion: For children, using a sonic toothbrush in mixed dentition provides better plaque removal than using a manual toothbrush. For the first time, school children expressed findings concerning an electric toothbrush.

Keywords:

Dental hygiene; Sonic toothbrush; Manual toothbrush; Children

Citation:

Broutin A, Valera MC, Silva J, Marty M, Tournay E, Bailleul-Forestier I, et al. Is Sonic Brushing More Effective in Mixed Dentition? A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis. J Dent Oral Biol. 2021; 6(1): 1179. ISSN: 2475-5680.

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