• Onauma Angwaravong D.D.S., M.Sc., Dip., Thai Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• Waranuch Pitiphat D.D.S., M.P.H.M., M.S. (Epidemiology), S.D. (Epidemiology), Dip., Thai Board of Dental Public Health
• Manussanunt Thangwongthawornkit D.D.S.
• Wittavat Rachacrute D.D.S.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of powered toothbrush for the gingivitis reduction and the
removal of plaque in comparison with conventional manual toothbrush over a 3-month period.

Materials and methods This randomized controlled trial of seventy primary school students aged
between 7-10 years were randomly assigned into 2 groups of thirty five in each: in the test group using
powered toothbrush and in the control group using conventional manual toothbrush. Gingival index of
Löe & Silness (GI) and Patient hygiene performance plaque index of Podshadley and Haley (PI) were
assessed at baseline and at 1, 2 and 3 months. Mean differences between the study groups were
compared using repeated measures ANOVA with the significance level at 0.05.

Results Over a 3-month period of study, there was no statistically significant difference between
powered and manual toothbrush groups with respect to mean reduction of GI scores from baseline
(p = 0.19). Similarly, no statistically significant difference in the mean reduction of plaque reduction
from baseline was observed between powered and manual toothbrush groups (p = 0.73).

Conclusion There was no difference between powered toothbrush and manual toothbrush in the
improvement of gingival health and removal of plaque over a period of 3 months.

(CU Dent J. 2011;34:193-202)