Comparison of gingivitis reduction plaque removal by Sonicare FlexCare and a manual toothbrush

Objective

To evaluate the ability of the Sonicare FlexCare to reduce gingivitis and gingival bleeding over time

Methodology

One hundred seventy-five healthy adults aged 18-64 years, participated in a single blind, randomized, parallel group clinical study assessing gingivitis and plaque over time for the Sonicare FlexCare and a manual toothbrush. Eligible subjects were routine manual toothbrush users with a minimum Silness and Löe plaque index of >0.8 presented following 3-6 hours plaque accumulation, with at least 20 sites graded >2 by the Löe and Silness Gingival Index. Eligible subjects were randomized and trained on product usage, 2 minutes twice daily. Subjects retained the assigned product for 4 weeks. Efficacy and safety evaluations occurred at Weeks 2 and 4 in which gingivitis and plaque levels were reassessed.

The Sonicare FlexCare showed significant reduction from baseline in gingivitis after 2 and 4 weeks of product use (p<0.0001). The Sonicare FlexCare showed significant reduction from baseline in the number of sites with gingival bleeding over 2 and 4 weeks (p< 0.0001). The Sonicare FlexCare was superior to a manual toothbrush in reducing the number of sites with gingival bleeding over 4 weeks (p=0.0293). The Sonicare FlexCare showed significant reduction from baseline in plaque after 2 and 4 weeks of product use (p<0.0001). The Sonicare FlexCare was superior to a manual toothbrush in overall percent plaque reduction over 4 weeks (p=0.015). The Sonicare FlexCare was superior to a manual toothbrush in plaque reduction in hard to reach areas over 4 weeks [posterior p=0.002, interproximal p=0.02, posterior interproximal p=0.007].

Conclusion

Sonicare FlexCare was found to be safe and effective in reducing gingivitis and plaque. FlexCare was found to be superior to a manual toothbrush in reducing plaque and sites of gingival bleeding over time.