Systematic, independent reviews validate the efficacy and safety of oscillating-rotating brush technology

For the third consecutive time, the independent, not-for-profit Cochrane Collaboration has concluded that oscillating-rotating technology used in Oral-B power toothbrushes is the only type of power brush consistently proven to reduce more plaque and gingivitis versus manual brushing in the short and long term. This outcome was derived from a larger study that concluded power brushes outperform manual toothbrushing.

"This is an important conclusion that will help consumers and professionals make better oral care choices," said Dr Paul Warren, vice president, Professional and Scientific Relations at Procter & Gamble. "Consumers and some professionals may be sceptical about the benefits and safety of power brushes. An independent confirmation of the effectiveness of power and specifically oscillating-rotating brushes adds to Oral-B's own evidence that consumers can benefit by shifting from a manual to an oscillating-rotating power brush."

The conclusions of this most recent report, published in June 2014, were derived from reviews of 56 studies published from 1964 to 2011 and included no less than seven types of power brush technologies, based on brush head movement. Over 50% of the studies reviewed focused on oscillating-rotating technology, reinforcing the robustness of Oral-B's body of scientific evidence versus other power brushing technologies.

Additional findings from the report demonstrated that none of the six other power brush technologies considered consistently show significant effects across both outcomes and points in time. Interestingly, the authors concluded that side-to-side power brushes demonstrated "no significant difference versus manual brushing on plaque or gingivitis reduction in the short or long term". These results echoed those in the 2003 and 2005 reviews, which reveal that oscillating-rotating power toothbrushes, like those produced by Oral-B, are the only ones proven to consistently outperform manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

The authors also considered evidence regarding the safety of power toothbrushes and found no apparent relationship between the use of power toothbrushes and soft tissue trauma. "Oral-B is always trying to find the best solutions to meet patient needs," said Dr Paul Warren. "The results of these studies provide dental professionals and patients the highest level of evidence to make informed decisions about selecting the appropriate toothbrush to maintain good oral health".

The Cochrane Collaboration is an international, independent, not-for-profit organization staffed by a volunteer network of health practitioners, researchers, patient advocates and others. It produces high-quality, relevant and up-to-date synthesized research evidence that is free from commercial sponsorship and other conflicts of interest to assist in the educated decisions patients and professionals make on product purchasing and promotion. Its work is internationally recognized as the benchmark for high quality information about the effectiveness of health care.

Yaacob M, Worthington HV, Deacon SA, Deery C, Walmsley A, Robinson PG, Glenny A. Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 6.