Objective: Assess a Sonicare power toothbrush (SPT) and a manual toothbrush (Butler #311, MTB) for their ability to improve clinical parameters in subjects with slight to moderate chronic periodontitis. Methods: 82 medically healthy subjects (SPT=52, MTB=30), aged 25-55 years, completed this IRB approved, single-blind, randomized, 12-week study. They signed the consent form, had ≥20 natural teeth, a Plaque Index (PlI) ≥0.5, a Gingival Index (GI) ≥1, and exhibited ≥3 sites with 4-6mm probing depth (PPD), 1-4mm attachment level (AL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). At baseline, subjects received a comprehensive oral examination, a dental prophylaxis, and were randomized to treatment groups. Subjects used their assigned toothbrush twice daily according to instructions but abstained from flossing or other aids. Follow-up examinations were performed after 1, 4, and 12 weeks. Longitudinal data issues were addressed using linear mixed-effects models (S-Plus). Fisher`s Exact test was applied to the analysis of categorical data. Results: Both groups were balanced with respect to age, gender and smoking habits. All clinical parameters demonstrated statistically significant improvements from baseline to 1, 4 and 12 weeks. Overall, subjects assigned to SPT showed: 0.39 (95% CI: [0.28, 0.50]) greater reduction in PlI, 0.39 (95% CI: [0.28, 0.51]) greater reduction in GI, and 0.36 (95% CI: [0.09, 0.64]) greater reduction in AL. For PPD and BOP, differences between SPT and MTB did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: In subjects with chronic periodontitis, both SPT and MTB significantly improved oral hygiene resulting in better periodontal conditions. SPT effects were greater on plaque, gingivitis and attachment levels than with a MTB

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