A Pediatric Dentist Perspective on Artificial Intelligence Based Toothbrush’s Clinical Efficacy, Parent Acceptance and Adherence as Compared with Conventional Toothbrush
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Abstract
Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based toothbrush with a conventional toothbrush in children aged 5-10 years.
Objective: The objectives include evaluating the efficacy of both types of toothbrushes in removing dental plaque, comparing their clinical efficacy, and assessing the acceptance and adherence of the toothbrushes among children and their parents.
Materials and Method: A total of 34 patients were selected from the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent from the parents, the procedure began with oral prophylaxis. Disclosing agents containing erythrosine were applied, followed by the recording of the Sillness and Loe 1964 Plaque Index, Sillness and Loe 1963 Gingival Index, Oral Hygiene Index 1960, and Gingival Bleeding Index. The children were then divided into two groups: Group A (17 children) received an AI-based toothbrush, and Group B (17 children) received a conventional toothbrush. Both groups were provided with fluoridated toothpaste to maintain standardization. The indices were recorded on 7,14,28 days.
Result: Both the case and control groups showed significant results with significant reduction in plaque score having p ≤ 0.05. However, when comparing the AI toothbrush to the conventional one, their effectiveness in removing plaque was found to be similar.
Conclusion: plaque scores were similar between the two groups but there were notable differences in other areas: the gingival index, oral hygiene index, and gingival bleeding index all showed significant differences.