The impetus behind the development of
Triumph with SmartGuide is research that
shows most patients brush less than the recommended
2 minutes twice a day. According to the
manufacturer, Triumph with SmartGuide is the first
rechargeable toothbrush with a wireless remote that
visually indicates brushing time, brushing mode, and
pressure.
For this product review, 7 hygienists were asked
to use Triumph with SmartGuide for 4 weeks and
then tell us what they think.
Plaque Removal
Based on research conducted by Procter &
Gamble, Triumph with SmartGuide provides 19%
more plaque control compared to brushing with a
manual toothbrush.
When the hygienist evaluators were asked to rate
the toothbrush on plaque removal, all 7 rated it as
excellent, giving it a perfect score. One hygienist
commented that her teeth felt “squeaky clean.”
Another said that she “loved the just-from-the-dentist
feeling.” A third evaluator said her teeth “feel
cleaner than manual brushing.”
Brushing Encouragement
Based on research conducted by the manufacturer,
patients who brush with Triumph with
SmartGuide increase their brushing time by 38%.
The manufacturer also claims that compared with
brushing with a manual toothbrush, patients are 5
times more likely to brush for 2 minutes.
The hygienists who evaluated this product were
asked to rate the ability of the visual timer to encourage
2-minute brushing. All 7 evaluators rated this
feature as excellent. One evaluator said “Love it! A
definite motivator to continue brushing to the 2
minute time.” She also noted that there is “no need
to stand in front of the timer to register [the] time
brushed.” Another evaluator said, “I
loved the separate timer. The ones on
the handle of the brush are hard to see
while brushing. This was awesome.” A
third evaluator commented that she
feels “patients will brush for the recommended
time seeing a visual timer.”
Pressure Sensor
The SmartGuide feature of the Oral-
B Triumph power toothbrush includes
a pressure sensor alert. When the
hygienist evaluators were asked to rate
the ability of the pressure sensor to help
prevent excessive brushing force, 6
rated it as excellent and 1 rated it as
very good.
One evaluator said, “The sensor is a
great feature. I see many patients who use
power brushes and damage gingival tissue.”
Another noted that “until you see
the warning light, you have no idea the
amount of pressure you are using. [This
is] a great guide for those [who] brush too
hard.” One evaluator said, “I found some
sensitivity to buccal areas even with the
pressure sensor. Maybe need to make it a
bit more sensitive.”
Healthy Gums
According to recent research,
Triumph with SmartGuide has been
proven to help prevent gingivitis in
healthy patients.1 Manufacturer research
shows 32% lower gingival bleeding
scores at 6 months vs baseline.
The evaluators were asked to rate
Triumph with SmartGuide with regard
to its ability to make gums look and feel
healthy. Six evaluators rated it as excellent
and 1 rated it as very good. One
evaluator said that her “gums were well
stimulated. Even more so than with
other power toothbrushes.” Another
evaluator commented that “bleeding
was definitely decreased, resulting in
firmer gingiva.”
Overall Satisfaction
When asked if they would recommend
Triumph with SmartGuide to colleagues,
all 7 evaluators said definitely.
They all also said they would definitely
or probably purchase it in the future.
Finally, when asked to rate their overall
satisfaction with the product, the 4 evaluators
rated it as excellent and 3 rated it
as very good. One evaluator said that she
found the brush “very easy to use. I like
the clock…the guide with the timer, and
the information on the pressure used.”
Reference
1. van der Weijden GA, Rosema NAM, Versteeg
PA, et al. Different modes of oral hygiene to prevent
plaque and gingivitis. J Dent Res. 2006;85(special
issue B). Abstract 2266.
