Efficacy of power versus manual toothbrushing for compromized patients in reducing plaque index and gingival index

Background: Efficacy of power over manual tooth brushes is the topic of debate since the advent of powered tooth brushes, although no significant difference in the plaque removal of both the brushes is observed in many studies, but the Cochrane review suggests a modest reduction of plaque and gingivitis with the powered tooth brushes as compared to the manual.

Objective: The Aim of our study is to compare the efficacy of power vs manual toothbrush, so as the use of power tooth brush can be promoted in the compromised groups of patient such as geriatric population and children.

Material and methods: study subjects were divided in to two groups. One was given a manual tooth brush and the other was given a powered tooth brush. Base line values of PI and GI was recorded, then the values of PI and GI were recorded after 2 weeks and 4 weeks. The results were then compared statistically.

Results: No significant difference was observed in both the groups in terms of PI and GI after 2 and 4 weeks.

Conclusion: Both manual and powered tooth brushes have comparable efficacy in terms of gingival health and plaque removal.