How effective is a powered toothbrush as compared to a manual toothbrush? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of single brushing exercises

• Published in: International journal of dental hygiene 2020-02, Vol.18 (1), p.17-26
• Main Authors: Elkerbout, Therese A., Slot, Dagmar E., Rosema, N. A. Martijn, Van der Weijden, G. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Clinical trials; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Equipment Design; Humans; manual toothbrush; Meta-analysis; Orthodontics; Periodontal Index; Periodontitis; Plaque index; powered toothbrush; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Review; single brushing exercise; Single-Blind Method; systematic review; Toothbrushing
• ISSN: 1601-5029; 1601-5037
• DOI: 10.1111/idh.12401

Objectives In adult participants, what is, following a single brushing exercise, the efficacy of a powered toothbrush (PTB) as compared to a manual toothbrush (MTB) on plaque removal? Methods MEDLINE‐PubMed and Cochrane‐CENTRAL were searched from inception to February 2019. The inclusion criteria were (randomized) controlled clinical trials conducted in human subjects ≥18 years of age, in good general health and without periodontitis, orthodontic treatment, implants and/or removable prosthesis. Papers evaluating a PTB compared with a MTB in a single brushing exercise were included. When plaque scores were assessed according to the Quigley‐Hein plaque index (Q&HPI) or the Rustogi modified Navy plaque index (RMNPI). From the eligible studies, data were extracted. A meta‐analysis and subanalysis for brands and mode of action being oscillating‐rotating (OR) and side‐to‐side (SS) were performed when feasible. Results Independent screening of 3450 unique papers resulted in 17 eligible publications presenting 36 comparisons. In total, 28 comparisons assessed toothbrushing efficacy according to the Q&HPI and eight comparisons used the RMNPI. Results showed a significant effect in favour of the PTB. The difference of Means (DiffM) was −0.14 (P