An electric toothbrush and a stannous fluoride toothpaste work together to turn everyday brushing into healthier gums
With modern dental practices prioritizing minimally invasive dentistry, it's no surprise that Dr. Mai-Trinh Nguyen recommends the Oral-B iO to her patients at HB Family Dentistry in Huntington Beach, CA.
A go-to electric toothbrush among DPS readers, the iO is part of the Crest+Oral-B iO Transformational Gum Health System, which also includes Crest Gum Detoxify toothpaste. In a clinical study, all patients who used the system transitioned from gingivitis to a state of healthy gums after just 12 weeks of use,* signaling that home care recommendations matter more than you may think.
"As a practice that focuses on preventive care, the Oral-B iO removes plaque around cervical areas effectively," Dr. Nguyen said. "My entire family uses this brush."
Designed for a Sensational Clean
Ravichandra Juluri, DDS, MS, also uses the brush at home and recommends it to patients at his Illinois periodontal practice. "The round brush head is easy to use and adapts well to individual teeth," he said. "Micro-vibrations help dislodge plaque and deposits, and the brushing modes, timer, and sensor help patients learn and adapt to the brush."
"I believe the Oral-B iO is more effective at removing biofilm," Dr. Nguyen shared. "I notice a difference in plaque level when my patients switch to the brush, and they also tell me their teeth feel cleaner," she said. A Smart Pressure Sensor lights up green when optimal brushing pressure is applied and red when brushing pressure is too hard.
"This feature is invaluable in helping prevent gingival recession from over-brushing," Dr. Nguyen said, and Dr. Juluri agreed the visual cue helps aggressive brushers adjust their technique: “The Smart Pressure Sensor helps patients learn not to put too much force on their teeth and gingival tissue.”
A Better Angle on Brushing
iO users can choose from smart brushing modes such as Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening, Gum Care, and Tongue Clean—while a timer encourages brushing for 2 minutes.
"I typically recommend the Sensitive setting for my patients and stress angulating near the cervical and toward the interproximal areas,” Dr. Nguyen explained. “I also demonstrate how the Oral-B iO gets around the distal of the second molars more effectively compared with manual and other sonic brushes."**
* *Adam R, et al. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2021;42(9):e1-e4.
**Zou Y, et al. Int Dent J. 2024;74(1):146–156.