Effectiveness of a New Toothbrush with Irrigation and Suctioning Capabilities(e-Brush) for Removing Supragingival Plaque.

Patients with dysphagia typically have poor oral health. Because of improper swallowing, they cannot easily and safely clean their mouths. As a solution for such a problem, a manual toothbrush with both irrigation and suctioning functions has been developed, called the "e-Brush". The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cleaning effectiveness of the new e-Brush (9 mm and 11 mm in bristle length) for removing supragingival plaque, compared with a conventional toothbrush, GUM # 211 by Butler. In this study, 12 subjects (12 female of average age 20.6) were selected, and plaque control record (PCR) and scrubbing method were used. The following results were obtained: 1. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recognized between e-Brush/9 mm (55.54 +/- 18.27%) and the others (e-Brush/11 mm: 30.88 +/- 8.14%, GUM # 211: 35.42 +/- 9.32%). 2. Bristles 9 mm in length were more effective than 11 mm bristles (p < 0.05). 3. Irrigation/suctioning function is more effective than the conventional tooth-brushing method. 4. The irrigation function of e-Brush was meritorious in making almost all users comfortable. These results suggest that this new oral hygiene device, "e-Brush/9 mm", is effective for improving oral care management for patients with dysphagia.