[Effectiveness of power toothbrushes].

Three power toothbrushes with different mechanical principles (blend-a-dent master-vertical oscillating system, blend-a-dent medic electric elliptical oscillating system, interplak-contra-rotationsystem of the bristle-tuft) and a conventional hand toothbrush were investigated in 60 oral hygiene-motivated persons in a three-month-study. Efficiency was tested by two parameters (plaque index, papillary-bleeding index) under statistically identical conditions. The study showed no major differences in efficiency between the power toothbrushes and the manual toothbrush. --For the whole study the power toothbrush with an elliptical oscillating system showed the best results. --Power toothbrushes are not more effective in plaque removal than a manual toothbrush. The great statistical variation of the investigated parameters in each group shows that an optimal brushing technique was more important than the choice of a certain toothbrush. --The investigation of the interproximal areas showed that a toothbrush alone is not effective enough. The additional use of dental floss and/or interdental cleaners for optimal oral hygiene is essential.