It motivates, cleans thoroughly, and keeps gums healthy,” said Rose Mattei, a Delaware hygienist, after evaluating the Oral-B PRO 5000 SmartSeries Toothbrush with Bluetooth for Dental Product Shopper. For this evaluation, 14 dentists and hygienists downloaded the app, connected to a device via Bluetooth, brushed with the power toothbrush, and monitored their progress for 4 weeks. This revolutionary oral health solution from Procter & Gamble not only removes more plaque than regular manual brushes, but also eliminates doubt with real-time feedback on brushing habits.

Ease of Use: App and Brush

Manufacturer Description: To receive real-time feed- back on brushing habits, download the Oral-B app on a smartphone and connect with Bluetooth. The rechargeable brush operates in 5 modes daily clean, gum care, sensi- tive, whitening, and deep clean and is compatible with Oral-B electric rechargeable brush head refills.

Evaluator Feedback: “[This brush is] easy to maneuver and use,” hygienist Cathy Alty told DPS. Another evaluator, who called the app “really helpful and easy,” explained, “You can order brush heads right on your phone and you can keep track of your progress.”When asked what they’d like to see improved, one hygienist said the on/ off button should be placed opposite the program buttons, and another said it is “difficult to keep the phone from being splattered with water fling while using the brush.” California hygienist Julie Reyes, who previously had no apps on her smartphone, noted, “After getting this app with some help from my teenager, I realized how easy that was and that anyone can do this.”

Cleaning Effectiveness

Manufacturer Description: Thanks to clinically proven 3D cleaning action that oscillates, rotates, and pulsates, the Oral-B PRO 5000 breaks up and removes up to 100% more plaque than regular manual toothbrushes. The CrossAction brush head surrounds each tooth with perfectly angled bristles for ultimate cleaning precision.

Evaluator Feedback: “This Oral-B brush cleans much better than a manual toothbrush,” Reyes said. Another evaluator reported “very good cleaning power.” Houston hygienist Yudith Alcaraz, who plans to purchase the brush, said, “I love the circular brush head, best ever for getting all around each tooth.” A hygienist who rated the brush as very good noted, “The compact brush head allows for great access to tooth surfaces, even behind the last posterior molars and anterior lingual.” Karensa Schascheck, RDH, commented, “It does an amazing job cleaning ortho appliances and hard-to-reach areas.”

Compliance and Motivation

Manufacturer Description: The Oral-B PRO 5000 provides real-time feedback on brushing habits to maximize both compliance and cleaning efficacy. A pressure sensor lights up on the brush and smartphone if the user brushes too hard, and the 2-minute in-handle timer pulses every 30 seconds, prompting the user to switch areas of the mouth.

Evaluator Feedback: Nine evaluators rated compliance or motivation to brush longer as excellent, with one saying, “I found that because it was telling you to brush your tongue, floss, and rinse, you really wanted to do these things!” Another said, “I believe the app can really help some people get on track with home oral care.” Reyes found the Bluetooth technology to be “pretty cool and appealing,” adding, “It will make your patients want to brush.

“[I liked that] the educational info is incorporated into the app,” said Diana Carr, RDHAP, who also liked receiving “instant feedback on the app, showing exactly where I am in time.” Alcaraz lauded the pressure sensor, adding, “Almost all my patients brush aggressively, so it will help them immensely.” New Jersey hygienist Virginia Kilduff shared, “I loved the feature that [makes] the light turn red when too much pressure is applied.”

Overall Satisfaction

Twelve evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend the toothbrush to colleagues, and 10 said they would definitely or probably purchase it. A hygienist who plans to purchase a brush for her own teenagers said "“I think this is great for teens because teenagers and people in their 20s really like technology.” Sandra Hersey, a Massachusetts hygienist who gave the brush an overall satisfaction rating of very good, said, “I love the toothbrush and will recommend it for my hard- brushing patients.

Oral-B PRO 5000 SmartSeries Power Toothbrush with Bluetooth