Acceptability of powered toothbrushes for elderly individuals

Objectives: This study evaluated the usefulness of powered toothbrushes in elderly individuals for removing supragingival plaque and improving gingival health and comparing this to the use of regular manual toothbrushes. Methods: Fourteen persons aged 68-85 years having moderate gingivitis were included in the study. A crossover clinical trial consisting of two phases of three months' duration each was carried out. All the participants were given an oral prophylaxis, following which they were instructed to use the manual toothbrush for three months. Again, for the same subjects, an oral prophylaxis was given and they were asked to use the powered toothbrush for the next three months. Plaque Index and Gingival Index scores were recorded one, two, and three months after the use of each toothbrush. Oral hygiene instruction was reinforced only at baseline. Results: The powered toothbrush was more effective than a regular manual toothbrush in removing plaque and controlling gingivitis. Conclusion: The powered toothbrush may prove to be a good alternative to the manual toothbrush for this segment of the population, as it does not require any special dexterity to use.