The Science Behind Sonicare
Notes from Dr. Joerg Strate Vice President, Philips Oral Healthcare, Clinical & Scientific Affairs Philips Sonicare has redefined personal oral hygiene once again When we decide to launch a new edition of the clinical proof brochure, the document in your hands, you know we must have a significant reason to do so. Launching two new products and introducing breakthrough technology that s likely to change our perspective on interdental cleaning are indeed significant accomplishments. The clinical and scientific research portfolio summarized in this document provides objective and relevant information about our products, and insights into the way we work. Our clinical credibility and commitment to providing patients and dental professionals with the most advanced solutions for home oral healthcare have resulted in global recognition and professional recommendation of Philips Sonicare products. True innovation at Philips Sonicare follows a simple paradigm that integrates the latest scientific knowledge with an in-depth understanding of today s oral healthcare needs. Adhering to these principles frequently results in solutions and technologies that are ahead of their time, and subsequently lead the industry. The original Sonicare technology was exactly that type of industry-leading innovation it defined a new standard for power toothbrushes. Recently, established a unique solution for the specific oral healthcare needs of children. Now the new Sonicare DiamondClean takes our ambition to the next level with the best clinical performance of any Sonicare to date, thanks to its unique brush head and ergonomic handle design. The requirements for our latest innovation, the entirely new Philips Sonicare AirFloss, could not be matched by existing concepts we had to invent them. The result is a unique device that impresses equally with its convenience of use and its clinical efficacy, which could not exist without the unprecedented AirFloss microburst technology invented by Philips engineers. When you read the following pages, I hope you will agree with me that Sonicare DiamondClean and AirFloss represent a significant next step toward even better, more intuitive solutions for daily oral hygiene exactly what Philips Sonicare is all about.
Sonicare AirFloss Preference In-home use test to evaluate ease of use for Philips Sonicare AirFloss versus Reach string floss and Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser Krell S, Kaler A, Wei J. Data on file, 2010 Objective Methodology Results To assess ease of use of Philips Sonicare AirFloss and two commercially available interproximal cleaning devices after using each device at home for one week. Eligible participants included 59 adult irregular flossers (floss from one time per month to three times per week). The study utilized a threeperiod, randomized crossover design. The three interproximal cleaning products tested were Sonicare AirFloss, Johnson & Johnson Reach unwaxed string floss and Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser (an oral irrigator). The study included four weekly, on-site visits, during which a new device was exchanged for the previous device until all of the three interproximal cleaning products were used, per randomized assignment. Participants were given a survey to report their feedback for the use of each product at the fourth visit. Feedback was recorded through an online questionnaire (Survey Monkey). All of the 59 participants completed the study and survey. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the use of the Sonicare AirFloss. 86% and 69% of study participants reported Sonicare AirFloss as easier to use than string floss or an oral irrigator, respectively. 78% reported Sonicare AirFloss as gentler on the teeth and gums than string floss. 81% reported that Sonicare AirFloss provided better access to the back of the mouth than string floss. Conclusion Among a sample of irregular flossers, Sonicare AirFloss was reported by users to be a preferred alternative for cleaning between teeth, relative to other commonly used modalities. It elicited significantly higher scores for ease of use than floss or an oral irrigator, and Sonicare AirFloss rated higher for gentleness on teeth and gums and its ability to provide better access to the back of the mouth compared to string floss. 77
Sonicare AirFloss Which product was easier to use? Sonicare AirFloss Reach String Floss 86% 14% 0% 40% 60% 80% 100% Which product was easier to use? Sonicare AirFloss Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser Same 6% 69% 25% 0% 40% 60% 80% 100% 78
Sonicare AirFloss Which product was gentler on your teeth and gums? Sonicare AirFloss Reach String Floss Same 2% 78% 0% 40% 60% 80% 100% Which product provided better access to the back of your mouth? Sonicare AirFloss Reach String Floss Same 4% 81% 15% 0% 40% 60% 80% 100% 79
Sonicare FlexCare / FlexCare+ Preference In-home use test by dental professionals evaluating the FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head and Oral-B Triumph with FlossAction brush head Jenkins W, Defenbaugh J, Master A, Wei J. Data on file, 2010 Objective Methodology Results Conclusion To assess dental professionals responses to an in-home use experience with the Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head and Braun Oral-B Triumph* with FlossAction brush head. Eligible participants included 267 dental professionals (DPs) (from Germany: 90, UK: 84, Netherlands: 93). The study utilized randomized, crossover, stratified design. All DPs received the Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head and Oral-B Triumph with FlossAction brush head according to a randomization assignment for routine use at home, per the manufacturer s instructions for a two-week period. Participants were not restricted from use of any other oral care products. DPs were then asked to report their feedback for each product use through online questionnaires (Survey Monkey) after the two-week use period. Dental professionals were highly satisfied using Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head. They reported a significant preference for Sonicare FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head over Oral-B Triumph with FlossAction brush head for its ease of maneuverability and comfort on teeth and gums. DPs also rated better access to posterior regions of the mouth for Sonicare FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head over Oral-B Triumph with FlossAction brush head by a significant margin. Overall, 81% of DPs were highly satisfied with the comfort of the FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head bristles on teeth and gums. 75% of DPs were highly satisfied with the ability of the FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head to access hard-to-reach areas. 80% of DPs were highly satisfied with the ability of the FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head to access posterior regions of the mouth. 74% of DPs were highly satisfied with the maneuverability of this brush and would recommend the FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head to their patients. Among a sample of dental professionals in Germany, the UK and the Netherlands, Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head elicited high satisfaction scores for its comfort on oral tissues, ability to access hard-to-reach areas and maneuverability. Significantly more DPs found Sonicare FlexCare+ with ProResults mini brush head easier to maneuver than with Oral-B Triumph with FlossAction brush head. * Braun Oral-B Triumph IQ 4000, Braun Oral-B Triumph 5000 80
Sonicare FlexCare / FlexCare+ Sonicare FlexCare+ Oral-B Triumph Provided better access to the posterior regions of the mouth 63% 37% 0% 10% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% User Preference Satisfaction Indicators for FlexCare+ with ProResults Mini Brush Head Highly Satisfied Comfort of the bristles on your teeth and gums 81% Size of the brush head overall 67% Ability to access hard-to-reach areas 75% Ability to access posterior regions of the mouth 80% Maneuverability of the brush head 74% Brush head overall 72% Toothbrush weight 91% 81
Preference An observational in-home use test of children 4-10 years using Jenkins W, Master A, Defenbaugh J, Wei J. Philips Oral Healthcare, Snoqualmie, WA; J Dent Res 89 (spec iss B); Abstract 3696, 2010 Introduction Objective Methodology Results The performance of an oral care product is fundamentally limited to the user s willingness to accept it into their regimen. In a product designed for children, the suitability of the experience (in all its dimensions) is as much a barrier to success as any primary metric of effective performance. Therefore, we conducted an in-home use study with a novel power toothbrush for children. To evaluate whether the Philips toothbrush, designed to positively influence engagement, experience and motivation, results in an acceptable and successful home toothbrushing experience between parents and children. Eligible participants included dental professional (DP) adults (from across North America) with children aged 4-10 years. All children received the Philips Sonicare For Kids toothbrush. A total of 75 DP parents with 105 participating children (51 girls, 54 boys) completed the three-week survey. Parents were asked to introduce the Philips to their child/children for routine use at home per the manufacturer s instructions. Participants were not restricted from use of any other oral care products. Parents were asked to report observations of the child s use patterns, attitudes and behaviors through online questionnaires (Survey Monkey). In a survey of DP parents where the Philips toothbrush was used by their 4-10 year-old children for a three-week period, respondents observed: greater motivation brushing with compared to their prior toothbrush, 90% better brushing with compared to their prior toothbrush, 88% that their child brushed longer with (mean: 104 seconds, median: 120 seconds) compared to their prior toothbrush (mean: 64 seconds, median: 60 seconds) In addition: 81% of DP parents would recommend to their patients 91% of DP parents prefer for use as their children s primary toothbrush 93% of DP parents were highly satisfied with the cleaning performance of 84% of DP parents were highly satisfied with the gentleness of 91% of DP parents were highly satisfied with the ease of use of 82
84% of DP parents reported that their children were highly satisfied with the in-mouth feel when using 92% of DP parents reported that their children were highly satisfied with the look of 93% of DP parents reported that their children were highly satisfied with the overall experience of using 89% of DP parents reported that their children preferred to their prior toothbrush Conclusion The Philips toothbrush positively influences engagement and promotes healthy brushing behavior in children 4-10 years old. Toothbrush Attributes The is the best kids toothbrush available (Parent) My child brushes better with the (Parent) The performance of the Sonicare For Kids (Parent) The ease of use of the Sonicare For Kids (Parent) The gentleness of the bristles on their teeth and gums (Parent) Appeal of the toothbrush to kids (Parent) The ergonomic handle design (Parent) The feel of the Sonicare in your mouth (Child) The look of the Sonicare (Child) The Sonicare toothbrush overall (Child) 4.12 4.44 4.6 4.56 4.35 4.6 4.51 4.22 4.53 4.6 0 1 2 3 4 5 Poor Good Brushing Duration Brushing Duration (Median) Overall 4-6 Years 7-10 Years Sonicare 120 sec 110 sec 120 sec Previous Toothbrush 60 sec 60 sec 60 sec 83
Preference An observational in-home use test of children 4-10 years using Jenkins W, Master A, Defenbaugh J, Wei J. Philips Oral Healthcare, Snoqualmie, WA; J Dent Res 89 (spec iss B); Abstract 3696, 2010 Introduction Objective Methodology Results The toothbrush was specifically designed to grow with children 4-10 years old and suit their particular needs. In this population, the suitability of the toothbrushing experience (in all its dimensions) is as much a barrier to success as any primary metric of effective performance. This in-home use test was done with a group of hygienists because this population of trained dental professionals was expected to reflect the most critical and detailed feedback possible, not only in the dimension of the experience of introduction of the product, but also in characterization of its performance and ability to promote independent brushing of an acceptable standard. To gain feedback and observe behavior changes in 4-10 year-old children or pediatric patients of registered dental hygienists (RDHs) after use of the Philips Sonicare For Kids toothbrush at home, in order to assess whether its introduction into the home toothbrushing regime promoted better oral health habits by positively influencing the child s motivation and experience. Eligible participants included adult RDHs (from RDH Under One Roof Conference who attended the course New and Innovative Products of 2009 ) with a patient, child, friend or family member aged 4-10 years. All children received the Philips toothbrush. A total of 131 RDHs with participating children (58 girls, 73 boys) completed the four-week survey. Parents were asked to introduce the Philips to their child/children for routine use at home per the manufacturer s instructions. Participants were not restricted from use of any other oral care products. Parents were asked to report observations of the child s use patterns, attitudes and behaviors through online questionnaires (Survey Monkey). Where the Philips toothbrush was used by their 4-10 year-old children for a three-week period, study participants observed longer brushing time, willingness to brush and improved quality of brushing. In addition: 98% of RDHs would recommend to their patients 93% of RDHs noticed improvements in the child s brushing habits after use of 99% of RDHs were highly satisfied with the performance of 96% of RDHs were highly satisfied with the gentleness of 98% of RDHs reported that their children were highly satisfied with the overall experience of using 84
97% of RDHs reported on their children s ability to properly brush their teeth with 93% of RDHs reported that the child will continue to use rather than their previous toothbrush Conclusion The Philips toothbrush positively influences engagement and promotes healthy brushing behavior in children 4-10 years old. Product Attributes (n=131) Performance of Gentleness of bristles on teeth & gums KidTimer feature (tones & timers) Ability to properly brush their teeth toothbrush overall 4.72 4.56 4.72 4.65 4.73 0 1 2 3 4 5 Poor Good 85