Powered vs. Manual Toothbrushing in Stage 3-4 Periodontitis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Powered: The intervention involves the use of the Oral-B iO6 powered toothbrush, which provides oscillating-rotating brushing action with personalized feedback via its smart pressure sensor and app integration. Participants in this group are instructed to brush for at least two minutes twice daily. The toothbrush is designed to ensure consistent brushing performance, with real-time feedback on brushing technique and duration, allowing for improved oral hygiene habits. The intervention aims to standardize brushing duration and technique, eliminating potential variations found with manual brushing.

Manual: The intervention involves the use of the TePe Select Soft manual toothbrush, which features soft bristles for gentle yet effective plaque removal. Participants in this group are instructed to brush for at least two minutes twice daily, with guidance on proper brushing technique. To ensure compliance with the brushing duration, participants are required to use a smartphone app that tracks and records their brushing sessions. The manual toothbrush allows for participant control over brushing pressure and technique, with no additional oral hygiene aids allowed during the study period.

Study summary

This study compares the effectiveness of powered and manual toothbrushes in reducing gum bleeding and dental plaque in people with stage 3 or 4 periodontitis. All participants are trained to brush for at least two minutes twice a day. The goal is to find out whether using a powered toothbrush leads to better oral hygiene results than a manual one, when brushing time is standardized. The study will measure bleeding and plaque levels at the beginning and over a 6-month period.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Full-Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS) — FMBS will be assessed at baseline and at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months following the intervention.
  The Full-Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS) will be used to assess the level of gingival bleeding upon gentle probing across all teeth in the mouth. This measure will evaluate the overall gum health of participants and will help compare the effectiveness of the powered versus manual toothbrushes in reducing gingival inflammation. FMBS will be recorded at baseline, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months to monitor changes in bleeding over time.

Trial sites (1)

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