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BACKGROUND: Different means are available for self-performed oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of a preventive homecare program including the combined use of a powered toothbrush and a triclosan/copolymer-containing dentifrice.

METHODS: A total of 160 adult subjects without signs of destructive periodontal disease were recruited for this 3-year randomized controlled trial. The subjects were assigned to a homecare program using an oscillating/rotating powered toothbrush and a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride-containing dentifrice (test) or a manual toothbrush and a standard fluoride-containing dentifrice (control). Supragingival polishing and reinforcement of homecare procedures were provided every 6 months. Plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were scored at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 years. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial aspect of each tooth at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 years and were analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. All data analyses were based on "intention-to-treat" with the subject as the statistical unit.

RESULTS: Compared to baseline, no significant changes in clinical parameters were observed during the 3 years, except for a reduction in the mean PD at the 2- and 3-year follow-up examinations (P \textless0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to plaque, BOP, or PD or in the mean counts of the 40 species at any time point.

CONCLUSION: The study failed to prove additional benefits of the combined use of a powered toothbrush and a triclosan/copolymer-containing dentifrice in adult subjects without signs of destructive periodontal disease.