Dental Professionals - Summary of Research papers

Clinical evaluation of an ionic toothbrush in the removal of established plaque and reduction of gingivitis.
Van Swol, Van Scotter, Pucher, Dentino
Quintessence vol 27 June 1996 pp389-394
Abstract

'The clinical effectiveness of a manual ionic toothbrush in the removal of dental plaque and the reduction of gingivitis was evaluated. A double blind study evaluated the effect of a small, imperceptible electric current on established dental plaque and gingivitis during toothbrushing. Sixty four adults completed the study. Gingivitis and plaque scores were determined at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. The baseline indices of the two groups were well balanced. At each examination, the participants were instructed how to hold the toothbrush properly and reminded to change brush heads every 4 weeks. Statistically significant improvements in the Löe Gingival Index scores were observed from baseline to 6 months between the control and test groups [41.82% better for the test group] and within the test group. The Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores also showed a significant improvement from baseline to 6 months between the control and test groups [48.69% better for the test group] and within the test group.'

Effects of electronic toothbrush with lithium battery on plaque control for patients with multibracket appliances in use.
Shindo, Tanne et al
Journal of Chu-Shikoku Orthodontics Society Vol 8.1 July 1996

'The study was designed to elucidate the effects of an electronic toothbrush with a lithium battery [hyG ionic toothbrush] on plaque control for patients during orthodontic treatment with multibracket appliances and to explore the clinical application.
The following findings were obtained:
1. No substantial influences were observed for the teeth and the supporting tissues such as the gingiva and alveolar bone, indicating a safety use of the brush in the oral cavity.
2. The electronic toothbrush with the battery, either with normal or opposite polarity, produced substantial decreases in plaque scores, whereas the control without the battery exhibited no influences.
3. The effects for plaque elimination were induced in the areas around orthodontic brackets and archwires in particular.'

Effectiveness of an Electronic Toothbrush on Gingivitis
Kasai, Ansai, Simazaki et al
Kyushu Shiagakukai Zasshi (6) pp 586-589, 1993

'Effectiveness of a toothbrush having a lithium battery installed therein was evaluated by a clinical experiment for 16 weeks. As a result, significant decreases in bleeding spots were recognised in both experimental groups. Consequently from the fact that an improvement by an electric current application was recognised in the condition of gingivitis, it is suggested that the electronic toothbrush is an effective assistant for teeth brushing.'

Review of the technology carried out by Dr. Peter Galgut
Published in The Dentist September 2000 pp 70 - 73
Conclusion

'…a number of trials using the hyG ionic toothbrush have been reported in this paper. Although these are predominantly short-term trials using small numbers of subjects, significant advantages of using the electronically active brush have been reported in these studies. Within the limitations of these studies improvements in clinical variables of dental plaque and gingival bleeding appear to be possible.

Based on the studies reported in this paper……….the use of an electronically activated toothbrush, such as the hyG brush, may provide additional clinical benefits of improved plaque control and reduced gingival bleeding when used consistently over an extended period of time.'