Comparing a full-mouth electronic toothbrush to a conventional electronic toothbrush

Impact of a Full-mouth Electronic Toothbrush on Indicators of Gingivitis and Patient Perceptions: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Minnesota · NCT06561204

This study is testing whether a new full-mouth electronic toothbrush can improve oral health better than a regular electronic toothbrush for people with mild to moderate gingivitis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment105 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06561204 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a full-mouth electronic toothbrush (FMET) compared to a conventional electronic toothbrush (ETB) in improving oral health. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: FMET with ADA-approved dentifrice, conventional ETB with ADA dentifrice, or FMET with a foam system. The study will measure clinical indicators of gingivitis and plaque, as well as patient perceptions, over a 30-day period. The trial is conducted at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, focusing on patients with mild to moderate gingivitis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with mild to moderate gingivitis and a minimum of five natural teeth in each quadrant.

Not a fit: Patients with severe periodontal disease or those who are not willing to abstain from professional oral hygiene care during the study may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved oral hygiene practices and better management of gingivitis for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in improving oral health with electronic toothbrushes, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* University of Minnesota School of Dentistry patient of record who is 18 years of age or older.
* Documented periodontal classification of mild to moderate gingivitis (\>10% BOP) or documented gingivitis on an intact, reduce, or stable with a history of periodontitis in AxiUm electronic health record (EHR) \>10% BOP.
* A minimum of 25% plaque measured O'Leary plaque score.
* A minimum of five natural teeth in each quadrant (excluding third molars, dental implants or teeth with more that ½ of natural surface restored).
* Be willing to abstain from all professional oral hygiene care (prophy/periodontal maintenance) during the study.
* Be willing to abstain from the use of any other dental cleaning aids (dental floss, water flossers, interdental brushes, dental or tooth picks, mouthwash, etc.) during the study.
* Access to personal email account and a device connected to the internet to complete questionnaires and communicate with study team.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of aggressive, necrotizing, uncommon periodontal disease, or any uncontrolled periodontal condition.
* Presence of any physical limitation or restriction that might preclude normal oral hygiene procedures (i.e. need another individual to perform oral self-care).
* Fixed prosthesis (i.e. implant retained denture), orthodontic appliance or under orthodontic treatment.
* Any medication that may impact periodontal conditions (i.e., phenytoin, calcium antagonists, cyclosporin, warfarin, antimicrobials, or steroids).
* Have any uncontrolled medical condition or immunocompromised that may impact the study (i.e. uncontrolled diabetes HbA1c \> 7, HIV).
* Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or unsure of pregnancy status (self-reported)
* ≥2 weeks of antibiotic use in the past three months. Or antibiotic use in the last six weeks.
* Cigarette use within the last year
* Unable to comply with the study protocol

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ToothbrushGingivitisPlaque
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.