A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial Comparing a Sonic Toothbrush Versus an Oscillating-rotating Toothbrush on Plaque Control and Gingival Health

This study is a single-center, randomized, evaluator-blinded, 2×2 crossover clinical trial designed to compare the effectiveness of a sonic toothbrush and an oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush in improving oral hygiene and gingival health in adult participants.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences. Each intervention period will last three weeks and will be separated by a three-week washout period during which standardized oral hygiene measures will be used to minimize potential carryover effects. The total study duration for each participant will be nine weeks.

At baseline and follow-up visits, participants will undergo oral examinations and standardized assessments performed by a trained examiner blinded to the assigned toothbrush. Clinical and salivary measurements will be collected throughout the study according to the protocol schedule. Participants will receive standardized oral hygiene instructions and will be provided with the same fluoridated toothpaste for the entire study period. The use of additional antiseptic oral products or intensive oral hygiene devices will not be permitted during the intervention periods unless clinically indicated.

The study aims to generate updated clinical evidence regarding the comparative performance of two widely used powered-toothbrush technologies under controlled conditions. The crossover design allows each participant to serve as his or her own control, reducing inter-individual variability and increasing the precision of treatment comparisons.

The study will be conducted at the Hospital Odontològic Universitat de Barcelona (HOUB) in accordance with Good Clinical Practice principles, applicable regulatory requirements, and ethical standards for research involving human participants.