Effectiveness of Toothbrushing Using Modified Manual and Powered Toothbrush on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial on Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Karthikayan RaviAbstract
Objective:
Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) often experience impaired manual dexterity and reduced fine motor coordination. The aim was to facilitate independent toothbrushing using assistive devices, a practical approach was developed involving modifications to both conventional manual toothbrushes and powered toothbrushes.
Methods:
A randomized clinical trial was conducted among 30 participants, with 15 individuals allocated to each group (Group A and Group B). Assessments were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks using two different toothbrush types. Oral health status was evaluated using the World Health Organization Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults (2013), along with Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) scores. Data were compiled and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Appropriate statistical tests, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann–Whitney
Results:
At baseline, the PI scores in Group A and Group B were 1.88 ± 0.32 and 1.79 ± 0.25, respectively, whereas the GI scores were 1.47 ± 0.28 and 1.46 ± 0.27, respectively. After 6 weeks, PI scores decreased to 1.48 ± 0.19 in Group A and 1.53 ± 0.16 in Group B, whereas GI scores decreased to 1.19 ± 0.22 and 1.25 ± 0.17, respectively, in both groups. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Both interventions were found to be effective in improving oral hygiene among individuals with SCI and can be recommended as viable aids for toothbrushing in this population.