The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a new, light-activated toothbrush, (Soladey-J3X) incorporated with a TiO₂ semiconductor and a solar panel (test) with a similar toothbrush but without the active semiconductor and solar panel (control).

Forty-nine adults aged 19 to 34 years completed a double-blind, cross-over study with each participant using the test and control brush for a period of 3 weeks each. The mean differences between baseline plaque and gingivitis scores and, after the subjects used, the test and control brushes were analyzed by the paired t-test.

The test and control brush demonstrated a reduction in overall plaque scores, but the difference between the two brushes was not statistically significant. The Soladey-J3X, however, showed a statistically significant difference in the overall mean reduction in gingivitis and on the buccal and interproximal surfaces compared to the control.

Both the test and the control toothbrushes induced a reduction in plaque scores after 3 weeks of use but the differences between the two type of brushes were not statistically significant. However, the test brush was more efficacious than the control in reducing overall gingival index scores and on the buccal and interproximal surfaces. Additional in vivo and longer term clinical trials are, however, warranted to fully investigate the mechanism and efficacy of TiO₂ semiconductor toothbrushes on plaque biofilm and gingival inflammation.

Uswak G, Hoover J, Lee J, Li J, Karunanayake C. A Double-blind Cross-over Study evaluating the Efficacy of a Light-activated Toothbrush. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2012;1(2):57-60.