Recently, a new power toothbrush has been marketed with a design that fundamentally differs from other marketed power toothbrushes, in that it incorporates a round oscillating head, in conjunction with fixed bristles. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the plaque removal efficacy of a control manual toothbrush (Crest Extender) to this experimental power toothbrush (Crest SpinBrush) following a single use. Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled, examiner-blind, 4-period crossover design which examined plaque removal with the two toothbrushes following a single use in 42 subjects. Plaque was scored before and after brushing using the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Index. Results: Baseline plaque scores were 1.90 and 1.92 for the experimental toothbrush and control toothbrush treatment groups, respectively. For whole mouth scores, the experimental toothbrush delivered on average 9.9 % more plaque than the control toothbrush. These results were statistically significant (p=0.0395). The adjusted (via analysis of covariance) mean difference between baseline and post-brushing plaque scores was 0.49 for the experimental brush, while the control toothbrush delivered an adjusted mean difference of 0.45. Results on buccal surfaces demonstrated directionally greater plaque removal for the experimental toothbrush with an average of 9.7 % more plaque removal that was not statistically significant. Results on lingual surfaces also demonstrated directionally greater plaque removal for the experimental toothbrush with an average of 9.1 % more plaque removal that was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The experimental power toothbrush was found to be statistically significantly more effective regarding plaque removal than the control manual toothbrush. Supported by the Procter & Gamble Company

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