Effectiveness of Sonic and Manual Toothbrush in Preschool Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of sonic and manual toothbrushes using the L?e and Silness plaque index (PI). This was an examiner-blind, randomized study with a cross-over design. A total of 34 children (17 males and 17 females) aged 3-6 years were included. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: one group used the sonic brush for two weeks before using the manual brush for two weeks, while the other group used the manual brush for two weeks followed by the sonic brush. During each dental visit, plaque indices were recorded and compared to baseline. The results were analyzed using a paired t-test or Pearson correlation test (α= 0.05). Thirty children (mean age 4.37 years) complied with the protocol and completed the study. The PI score was 0.09 lower compared to baseline after using a manual toothbrush and 0.26 lower after using the sonic brush. The reduction was statistically significantly greater in the sonic group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the sonic toothbrush is more effective for reducing plaque than a manual toothbrush.