Skip to content

Efficacy of Two Sonic Toothbrushes in Reducing Extrinsic Tooth Stain

Efficacy of Two Sonic Toothbrushes in Reducing Extrinsic Tooth Stain: An 8-week Randomized Clinical Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05202093
Enrollment
129
Registered
2022-01-21
Start date
2022-03-05
Completion date
2022-07-15
Last updated
2025-12-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Tooth Bleaching

Keywords

Controlled Clinical Trial, Electric Toothbrush

Brief summary

The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of reduction of extrinsic stains between 2 commercially available Oclean sonic toothbrushes in comparison with an Oral-B manual toothbrush.

Detailed description

Extrinsic tooth stain, especially on anterior teeth, is a common aesthetic issue that affect smile and self-confidence. Epidemiological studies show that dissatisfaction with tooth color impacts approximately 20% to 60% of various population groups. In a Chinese urban sample, 52.6% reported dissatisfaction with tooth color. Patients often express a desire to achieve whiter teeth, as it improves smile aesthetics, attractiveness and quality of life. It also promotes overall oral health and well-being. Mechanical tooth cleaning through brushing remains the most effective approach for daily oral hygiene, effectively removing plaque and stain to maintain oral health, irrespective of the use of dentifrice. The effectiveness of manual toothbrush is predominantly influenced by users' brushing habits and their compliance with professional recommendations. The electric toothbrush was first introduced in Switzerland in 1954. It was designed to simulate and enhance manual brushing motions, thereby potentially offering an improved cleaning experience. Modern electric toothbrushes feature integrated timers, pressure sensors, multiple brushing modes, and Bluetooth-enabled apps to enhance brushing duration and quality. The Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush and Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush, developed by a Shenzhen-based Chinese company, exemplify these innovations. Both sonic toothbrushes feature silent motor technology to reduce noise, avoid resonant frequencies to lessen facial discomfort, and provide real-time pressure feedback to prevent excessive brushing force. Together, these enhancements ensure a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable brushing experience. While both models share core manufacturing parameters, the Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush provides a higher driving torque (2.16 N.cm) than the Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush (1.96 N.cm).

Interventions

DEVICEthe Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush (2.16 N·cm torque)

Use the Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush (2.16 N·cm torque) to brush teeth twice a day for 8 weeks

DEVICEOral B manual toothbrush

Use Oral B manual toothbrush to brush teeth twice a day for 8 weeks

DEVICEthe Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush (1.96 N·cm torque)

Use the Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush (1.96 N·cm torque) to brush teeth twice a day for 8 weeks

Sponsors

Sun Yat-sen University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

The inclusion criteria were: 1) aged 18-70 years; 2) good general health; 3) ability to attend all scheduled visits over the 8-week study period; 4) possession of more than 20 natural permanent teeth, excluding third molars, which are free of crowns or extensive restorative materials; 5) at least 12 anterior teeth suitable for scoring (i.e., free of crowns, veneers, large restorations, trauma, or non-vital pulp); 6) a whole-mouth mean Lobene stain composite score greater than 1.

Exclusion criteria

included: 1) severe oral or systemic diseases; 2) advanced periodontal diseases; 3) pregnancy or lactation; 4) dental fluorosis or tetracycline staining; 5) orthodontic appliances or partial removable dentures; 6) participation in other clinical trials; 7) professional prophylaxis within 3 months or tooth whitening within 6 months; and 8) known allergy to study products.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use4 weeks after toothbrush useTooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, stain intensity was rated on a 0-3 ordinal scale with the following criteria: 0 = No stain; 1 = Light stain (yellow to light brown or gray); 2 = Moderate stain (medium brown); 3 = Heavy stain (dark brown to black). Each region(body and gingival) has a score range of 0-3 (minimum = 0, maximum = 3). The mean Lobene stain intensity score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use4 weeks after toothbrush useTooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, the stain area score were assessed using 0-3 scale. 0= no stain detected; 1= stain covering up to 1/3 of the region; 2= stain covering \>1/3 to 2/3 of the region; 3=stain covering \>2/3 of the region. Each region (body and gingival) has a score range of 0-3 (minimum = 0, maximum = 3). The mean Lobene stain area score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use4 weeks after toothbrush useTooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, a composite score is calculated by averaging the product of the intensity and extent scores. Each region (body and gingival) has a score range of 0-9 (minimum = 0, maximum = 9). The mean Lobene stain composite score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use8 weeks after toothbrush useTooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, stain intensity was rated on a 0-3 ordinal scale with the following criteria: 0 = No stain; 1 = Light stain (yellow to light brown or gray); 2 = Moderate stain (medium brown); 3 = Heavy stain (dark brown to black). Each region(body and gingival) has a score range of 0-3 (minimum = 0, maximum = 3). The mean Lobene stain intensity score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use8 weeks after toothbrush useTooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, the stain area score were assessed using 0-3 scale. 0= no stain detected; 1= stain covering up to 1/3 of the region; 2= stain covering \>1/3 to 2/3 of the region; 3=stain covering \>2/3 of the region. Each region (body and gingival) has a score range of 0-3 (minimum = 0, maximum = 3). The mean Lobene stain area score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use8 weeks after toothbrush useTooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, a composite score is calculated by averaging the product of the intensity and extent scores. Each region (body and gingival) has a score range of 0-9 (minimum = 0, maximum = 9). The mean Lobene stain composite score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).

Countries

China

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
the Oclean Digital Visual Toothbrush (2.16 N·cm Torque)
Use the Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush (2.16 N·cm torque) to brush teeth twice daily for 8 weeks Oclean the Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush (2.16 N·cm torque) : Use the Oclean Digital Visual toothbrush (2.16 N·cm torque) to brush teeth twice a day for 8 weeks
43
the Oclean Sonic Electric Toothbrush (1.96 N·cm Torque)
Use the Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush (1.96 N·cm torque) to brush teeth twice daily for 8 week Oclean the Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush (1.96 N·cm torque): Use the Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrush (1.96 N·cm torque) to brush teeth twice a day for 8 weeks
42
Manual Toothbrush
Use Oral-B manual toothbrush to brush teeth twice daily for 8 weeks Oral-B manual toothbrush: Use Oral B manual toothbrush to brush teeth twice a day for 8 weeks
41
Total126

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicManual ToothbrushTotalthe Oclean Digital Visual Toothbrush (2.16 N·cm Torque)the Oclean Sonic Electric Toothbrush (1.96 N·cm Torque)
Age, Continuous44.15 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.28
43.71 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.02
43.02 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.87
43.98 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.98
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores1.14 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.39
1.12 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.39
1.1 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.35
1.13 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.43
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores2.37 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.16
2.37 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.13
2.4 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.03
2.35 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.24
Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores1.31 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.52
1.29 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.52
1.28 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.48
1.28 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.57
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Han
41 Participants126 Participants43 Participants42 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
24 Participants76 Participants26 Participants26 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
17 Participants50 Participants17 Participants16 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 430 / 420 / 41
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 430 / 420 / 41
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 430 / 420 / 41

Outcome results

Primary

Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use

Tooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, the stain area score were assessed using 0-3 scale. 0= no stain detected; 1= stain covering up to 1/3 of the region; 2= stain covering \>1/3 to 2/3 of the region; 3=stain covering \>2/3 of the region. Each region (body and gingival) has a score range of 0-3 (minimum = 0, maximum = 3). The mean Lobene stain area score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).

Time frame: 4 weeks after toothbrush use

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
the Oclean Digital Visual Toothbrush (2.16 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.81 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.37
the Oclean Sonic Electric Toothbrush (1.96 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.81 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.43
Manual ToothbrushLobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use1.02 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.43
Primary

Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use

Tooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, the stain area score were assessed using 0-3 scale. 0= no stain detected; 1= stain covering up to 1/3 of the region; 2= stain covering \>1/3 to 2/3 of the region; 3=stain covering \>2/3 of the region. Each region (body and gingival) has a score range of 0-3 (minimum = 0, maximum = 3). The mean Lobene stain area score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).

Time frame: 8 weeks after toothbrush use

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
the Oclean Digital Visual Toothbrush (2.16 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.75 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.33
the Oclean Sonic Electric Toothbrush (1.96 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.74 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.42
Manual ToothbrushLobene Stain Index of Stain Area Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.94 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.45
Primary

Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use

Tooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, a composite score is calculated by averaging the product of the intensity and extent scores. Each region (body and gingival) has a score range of 0-9 (minimum = 0, maximum = 9). The mean Lobene stain composite score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).

Time frame: 4 weeks after toothbrush use

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
the Oclean Digital Visual Toothbrush (2.16 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use1.54 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.94
the Oclean Sonic Electric Toothbrush (1.96 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use1.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.96
Manual ToothbrushLobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use2.05 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.21
Primary

Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use

Tooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, a composite score is calculated by averaging the product of the intensity and extent scores. Each region (body and gingival) has a score range of 0-9 (minimum = 0, maximum = 9). The mean Lobene stain composite score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).

Time frame: 8 weeks after toothbrush use

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
the Oclean Digital Visual Toothbrush (2.16 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use1.37 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.87
the Oclean Sonic Electric Toothbrush (1.96 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use1.27 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.84
Manual ToothbrushLobene Stain Index of Stain Composite Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use1.88 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.21
Primary

Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use

Tooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, stain intensity was rated on a 0-3 ordinal scale with the following criteria: 0 = No stain; 1 = Light stain (yellow to light brown or gray); 2 = Moderate stain (medium brown); 3 = Heavy stain (dark brown to black). Each region(body and gingival) has a score range of 0-3 (minimum = 0, maximum = 3). The mean Lobene stain intensity score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).

Time frame: 4 weeks after toothbrush use

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
the Oclean Digital Visual Toothbrush (2.16 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.89 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.48
the Oclean Sonic Electric Toothbrush (1.96 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.88 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.46
Manual ToothbrushLobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 4 Weeks After Toothbrush Use1.13 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.55
Primary

Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use

Tooth stain of the anterior teeth was measured using the Lobene Stain Index. The index assesses the area and intensity of extrinsic tooth stain on the facial and lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth and the facial surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. Each evaluated tooth surface was divided into two anatomical regions: body and gingival. For each region, stain intensity was rated on a 0-3 ordinal scale with the following criteria: 0 = No stain; 1 = Light stain (yellow to light brown or gray); 2 = Moderate stain (medium brown); 3 = Heavy stain (dark brown to black). Each region(body and gingival) has a score range of 0-3 (minimum = 0, maximum = 3). The mean Lobene stain intensity score was determined by summing the scores from all assessed regions of the tooth surfaces and dividing by the total number of regions evaluated. Higher scores (both subscale and mean score) indicate a worse outcome (i.e., more severe extrinsic tooth stain).

Time frame: 8 weeks after toothbrush use

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
the Oclean Digital Visual Toothbrush (2.16 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.78 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.41
the Oclean Sonic Electric Toothbrush (1.96 N·cm Torque)Lobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use0.71 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.4
Manual ToothbrushLobene Stain Index of Stain Intensity Scores 8 Weeks After Toothbrush Use1.01 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.52

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026