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Application study
of micro tooth cleaning with ultrasound
Department of children's dentistry
LIÈGE / LIEGE
February 2011
Study director: Dr Annick Urfels
Investigator: Dr Annick Urfels
Place of implementation: University of Liège
Commissioned by: EMAG AG, 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany.
The application study with the ultrasonic toothbrush Emmi-dental Professional was conducted with 20 subjects.
The age of the test persons ranged from 7 to 43 years. The personal data of the test persons are available to me.
For reasons of data protection, the test persons are listed in this report under identification numbers.
The subjects were of different nationalities and social classes.
The following factors were taken into account in the study:
- Dental plaque (all subjects)
- Misaligned teeth (13 subjects)
- Filled teeth (obturations - 19 subjects)
- Gum recession (1 subject)
- Orthodontic treatment (fixed or loose braces - 11 subjects)
- Gum inflammation (4 subjects)
- Bleeding gums (3 volunteers)
- Bad breath (1 respondent)
Material and method
The subjects were randomly selected for the study (random procedure). Four examination appointments
were arranged at intervals of ± 4 weeks. 1st appointment (initial examination)
The use of the EMAG ultrasonic toothbrush was explained to the subjects and the parents and the corresponding ultrasonic toothpaste was handed out.
ultrasonic toothpaste was handed out. An initial examination was performed. The results are included in this report.
2nd, 3rd and 4th examination appointments:
During each of these appointments.
1) Plaque indicator was applied
2) Photographs were taken
3) Application technique exercised (if necessary)
4) Plaque indicator applied
5) Photos realised
6) Professional teeth cleaning performed by me, if necessary
7) Examination results were compared with the previous status.
The results of the examinations during appointments 2, 3 and 4 are included in this report.
Comments of the test persons
a) A feeling that the teeth are cleaner and smoother (6 subjects)
b) This toothbrush is better than any other (1 respondent)
c) Everything O.K. (1 respondent)
d) Very satisfied (1 respondent)
e) Very satisfied, yet I don't care which toothbrush I use (1 respondent)
f) Finally no more bleeding gums (1 respondent)
g) General, positive attitude
h) Gum recession is stable
Critical comments of the test persons
a) The taste of the toothpaste (6 volunteers)
b) Toothpaste is too sharp (6 volunteers)
c) The time required (2 volunteers)
d) The handling of the ultrasonic toothbrush (the attachment is too difficult to put on)
e) The application technique is very different compared to the conventional, manual toothbrush (1 respondent)
f) Brushing teeth with fixed braces is complicated and difficult (1 respondent).
Concluding remarks
Concluding remarks
a) Summary of the results of the application study
(please insert here a general summary statement - including the effectiveness of ultrasonic tooth cleaning in terms of plaque
effectiveness of ultrasonic tooth cleaning in terms of plaque, smooth tooth surfaces, brighter (whiter) teeth and the observed
effects in cases of gingivitis, bleeding gums and bad breath).
b) Some comments on my part:
From my perspective as a paediatric dentist, I have seen and experienced progress in the use of the ultrasonic toothbrush.
This study was a lot of fun, just to see how critical children, or teenagers, can be. They discuss a lot and I even had to prove to 2 subjects with photos that their teeth were not free of plaque even after brushing because they had not used the technique correctly.
Two mothers who have suffered from bleeding gums for years adopted this tooth brushing technique and after the 3rd appointment happily informed me that they were finally free of it.
A thought on my part: How effective is this brush after operations in the jaw area or for people with periodontosis ?
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