LAUSR

AIM We determined long-term effects of powered tooth brush (PTB) in comparison to manual tooth brush (MTB) usage on periodontitis severity, coronal caries experience and the number of missing teeth using in a population-based cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using 7-year follow-up data of 2214 participants of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND), comprehensively adjusted linear models using generalized least squares and ordinal regression models estimated effects of powered toothbrush usage on dental outcomes in complete case and imputed data. RESULTS At follow-up, PTB users had lower medians for mean probing depth (2.21 mm) and mean clinical attachment levels (1.73 mm) than MTB users (2.30 and 1.96 mm, respectively). Adjusted models revealed beneficial effects of PTB usage on follow-up levels of plaque, bleeding on probing, mean probing depth, the percentage of sites with probing depths ≥4 mm, mean clinical attachment levels (all, interdental, and non-interdental sites, respectively), and the number of missing teeth. For the number of missing teeth effects were more pronounced in participants aged ≥50 years. No significant effects of PTB usage on the number of decayed or filled surfaces (all and interdental sites) were found. CONCLUSIONS A recommendation of PTBs in dental practice could contribute to the long-term promotion of oral health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.