Introducing the Oral-B iO electric toothbrush: next generation oscillating-rotating technology

Abstract

Purpose: A novel oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush (Oral-B iO) has been developed with a linear magnetic drive, resulting in oscillation-rotations with micro-vibrations. The mechanism directs motor energy directly to the bristle tips. The brush also has a redesigned round brush head and smart pressure sensor to enhance plaque removal and encourage proper brushing technique.

Methods: The plaque removal and gingival health effects of this new electric toothbrush technology were evaluated in three randomized controlled studies summarized in this supplement, including an 8-week trial versus a manual toothbrush, an 8-week trial versus a premium sonic toothbrush, and a single-brushing, repetitive-use study versus a manual toothbrush.

Results: Outcomes from these studies demonstrate statistically significantly greater plaque removal and gingival health improvements for the Oral-B iO toothbrush technology versus manual and sonic toothbrush controls. Plaque removal advantages demonstrated in the replicate-use single-brushing trial resulted in significant gingival health benefits as evidenced in the longer-term trials. In addition, gingivitis case status assessments based on the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) guidelines show that over 80% of subjects using the Oral-B iO transitioned from 'gingivitis' (≥10% bleeding sites) at baseline to 'generally healthy' (<10% bleeding sites) at week 8 in both longer-term clinical trials, versus 24% in the manual toothbrush group and 53% in the sonic toothbrush group.

Conclusions: This uniquely designed oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush with a linear magnetic drive delivers significantly greater plaque removal and gingival health benefits with additional features to improve brushing experience and clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Dental plaque; gingivitis; micro-vibrations; oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush.

Figure 2

The Oral-B Ultimate Clean brush head with ‘tuft in tuft’ technology

Figure 3

Smart pressure sensor provides positive feedback (green light) when optimal pressure (0.8–2.5 N) is used

Figure 1

The Oral-B iO oscillating-rotating electric rechargeable toothbrush

Figure 4

The Oral-B iO group had a higher percentage of subjects categorized as having a ‘healthy’ gingivitis status (<10% bleeding sites) at week 8 compared to a manual toothbrush and sonic toothbrush: results from two clinical studies,

Figure 5

Number of bleeding sites percent change from baseline at week 8 for Oral-B iO and a mid-range O-R brush versus the same comparator sonic brush: results from two randomized clinical trials conducted at the same clinical site, using the same clinical design with the same investigator,

Figure 6

Reduction in the number of bleeding sites at week 8 versus baseline number of bleeding sites for Oral-B iO and the comparator sonic brush