JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

A toothbrush device that telemonitors toothbrushing is a technologically advanced toothbrushes that provide personalized feedback on an individual's toothbrushing habits and oral hygiene.

Objective:

This 6-month prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to verify the clinical effectiveness of using a telemonitoring toothbrush, an oscillating-rotating power toothbrush, and a manual toothbrush.

Methods:

This study was conducted at the Department of Advanced General Dentistry between January 2021 and May 2022 A total of 150 participants were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups (Oral-B® Genius 8000, ORT; Mombrush, ITT, and Manual toothbrush, MT). The relative plaque removal efficacy, reduction in halitosis, and changes in the oral microbiota were compared between the groups at four timepoints: at baseline and at one, three, and six months.

Results:

The Simple Plaque Score was decreased in the ITT group compared to that in the MT group (P<0.05); the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index was also decreased in the ITT group compared to that in the ORT and MT groups at different time points (P=0.000). However, there were no significant differences in halitosis (H2S and CH3SH) or high-risk periodontal microbiota between the groups at any timepoint. The ratio of caries-risk microbiota significantly increased in the MT group, whereas the ratio of anti-caries microbiota decreased (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Smart toothbrushes enable proper oral hygiene management for longer periods than manual toothbrushes. However, the interest in smart tooth brushing declined in recall after three months, and further research is needed to determine the appropriate feedback cycle and compliance with the application. Thus, smart toothbrushes with application and feedback interaction enable proper oral hygiene management than manual toothbrushes. Clinical Trial: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea, KCT0009094.