The role of the electric toothbrush in the control of plaque and gingivitis: a review of 5 years clinical experience with the Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover [D7].

The Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover (D7) (previously known as D5) is a well established electric toothbrush available worldwide. It has a round brush head with a diameter of 13 mm, with bristle tufts arranged in three circular rings, and an oscillating/rotating action. Since its introduction in 1991, a significant number of well designed clinical investigations have been published comparing the D7 with manual toothbrushes, as well as with other electric devices. A review of the findings from these various studies indicates that while both the D7 and manual toothbrushes effectively remove plaque and improve gingival condition, the efficacy of the D7 is clearly greater than that of the manual toothbrush. It is suggested that this advantage is related in particular to greater efficiency in interproximal, vestibular and lingual sites. Compared to other electric toothbrushes, there is evidence that the D7 also offers greater efficacy, but this requires clarification in further clinical investigations. It is concluded that the greater efficacy of the D7 over that of a manual toothbrush, together with the motivational effect that has been shown to be associated with electric toothbrush use, should offer potential for improved oral hygiene control.