Power and paste system premiers.

The IntelliClean System toothbrush is designed to remove plaque bacteria up to 2-3 mm beyond the reach of the bristles--important because the presence of interproximal plaque is a leading cause of gingivitis, one of the most common forms of gum disease. (1) The system features high speed bristle motion coupled with specially formulated Crest liquid toothpaste that creates a fluid cleaning action that drives the cleaning ingredient interproximally and into the sulcus.

"During my 30 years of practicing dentistry, I've seen firsthand that although many patients know how crucial proper brushing and flossing are to oral care, they are most often not a part of patients' daily routine," said Dr. James Dunn, Professor of Restorative Dentistry at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA. "The new IntelliClean System has created an opportunity for dental professionals and their patients to take the next step in a proactive approach to improved oral health."

How It Works

In order to target specific areas in the mouth, patients can reapply toothpaste by pushing the liquid toothpaste dispensing button while brushing, which results in a significantly greater reduction of plaque bacteria in the sulcus at the site of reapplication, maker states. (2) In addition, the number of patients who claimed to comply with the recommended brushing regimen of two minutes twice a day doubled compared to when using their previous toothbrush and toothpaste. (3)

Crest and Sonicare have worked together to improve the in-use properties of the liquid toothpaste. It is formulated with a viscosity that allows the paste to be liquefied rapidly by the system's high speed bristle motion, producing micro cleaning bubbles to penetrate hard-to-reach areas such as deep between teeth and along the gum line. The toothpaste is formulated to foam evenly throughout brushing.

The professional model will be available only in dental offices beginning in October 2004. The trial unit contains one handle with brush head, two additional liquid toothpaste cartridges providing 84 uses, a travel cap for the brush head, one charger base with cord, one brush head holder and a travel case. An educational I Care CD-ROM is also included to educate patients on specific dental needs (e.g., veneers, gum disease, implants) and to help explain how the system works. The unit incorporates a two-minute timer to ensure consumer brushes for the suggested time; a signal every 30 seconds that reminds users to move to a different quadrant of the mouth; a provision to allow for gentle increases in brushing power over the first 14 uses to help users become accustomed to power brushing and a dual control for high and low speed settings.

How to use the IntelliClean System

Step 1: At the push of a button, liquid toothpaste is pumped into the brush head and to the bristles before and during brushing.

Step 2: High speed bristly motion liquifies the toothpaste and drives cleaning ingredients deep between teeth and along the gum line. This motion creates a dynamic fluid cleaning action.

Step 3: The interaction between brush and paste creates micro cleaning bubbles that reach deep into hard-to-reach areas. An extra dose of toothpaste towards the end of brushing cleans away more bacteria. Soft dispensing tips rinse clean to help eliminate clogging.

References

(1.) Barlow AP, Zhou X, Roberts J, Colgan P, Effect on gingivitis of a novel integrated power toothbrush and toothpaste oral hygiene system. Compend Cont Educ Dent 2004; in press.

(2.) Barlow AP, Zhou X, Barnes JE, Eichold TH, Gibb RD, Ramji NB, Kowolik MJ, Hunt SA. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects in gingival cervical fluid from redosing during the brushing cycle using an integrated power toothbrush/toothpaste dispensing system. Compend Cont Educ Dent 2004.

(3.) Rethman J, Neuser F, Barlow AP, Brushing compliance with a novel integrated power toothbrush and toothpaste oral hygiene system. Compend Cont Educ Dent 2004; in press.