COMPARISION OF THE EFFICACY OF MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH TO POWERED TOOTHBRUSH

Objective: - Crossover study was conducted to compare the efficacy of manual and powered toothbrush on ten dental students in the age group of 20-27 years over a period of 60 days. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of the powered toothbrush (Oral B) and the manual toothbrush (Thermoseal ultra soft) on removal of supragingival plaque and improvement of gingival health. Background: - It is now universally accepted that prevention and inhibition of plaque accumulation on the tooth surface are likely to cause a major breakthrough to achieve optimum periodontal health. In the view of great importance of plaque removal, a number of techniques have been advocated for effective utility of tooth brushing. This study is an endeavor to find out if powered brushing is better than manual brushing. Materials and Methods: - Ten dental student volunteers were selected from Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad. Students were instructed to use manual toothbrush for one month and then washout period of 15 days was given followed by powered toothbrush for another month. Plaque index was recorded at 15 days interval for 2 months. Result: - Statistical evaluation of the clinical data recorded was carried out. No statistically significant differences at any time comparing the electric and the manual toothbrush were seen in both Group A and Group B. Conclusion: - In general there was no evidence of a statistically significant difference between powered and manual brushes.