Effectiveness of an Ionic Toothbrush in Dental Plaque Removal
Evaluation Study
(page 5)
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HYPERSENSITIVITY CONTROLLED BY IONTOPHORESIS
Collins found an 87.5% decrease in hypersensitivity in his active group and a 22.8% decrease in the control group.
Producing iontophoresis of fluorides in daily oral hygiene by the use of an electronically charged toothbrush could open the way to even greater benefits from the use of fluorides in dentistry. Since it has been shown previously that topical fluoride has a certain, although limited, effectiveness in alleviating hypersensitivity, the increase of effectiveness under the influence of an electronically charged toothbrush is suggestive evidence that this device increases the deposition of fluoride on, or within, the tooth.
From available evidence it seems unlikely that fluoride would reach the pulp in sufficient quantities to have any adverse effect.
. . . pathological studies of tooth pulps after iontophoresis of fluoride have been described in two recent reports.
. . . all pulps were regenerated completely histologically.
. . . histological examinations revealed no evidence of any permanent pulp damage.
. . . enamel pore wall is negatively charged . . . facilitating the penetration of positively charged ions (cations) and resisting the penetration of negatively charged ions (anions). Thus, the penetration of fluoride, which is the most negative ion normally is resisted by the enamel.
The fact that similar charges repel and opposites attract . . . if the negative charge of the enamel is temporarily reversed to positive the amount and depth of penetration of negative ions (fluorine) is facilitated.
. . . a majority of subjects in the active group reported a new feeling of cleanliness in their mouth, similar to having their teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist.
. . . various other oral processes may be affected, such as the deposit of calculus.
. . . use of an iontophoretic toothbrush resulted in the removal of protein matrix and free calcium adhering around the teeth, and the removal of putrefied matter coming from inflammation.
. . . no undesirable side effects were noted after two years of continued routine use.
1964, Jensen, A. L., University of California, College of Dentistry
DESENSITIZATION OF HYPERSENSITIVE TEETH
The teeth can be charged with a positive electrical potential by means of a battery while fluoride is being applied. Since fluorine is the most negative of all ions, iontophoresis may be employed as a practical method to increase penetration or deposition of fluoride in the dental enamel and dentine.
. . . an (electrical) potential low enough to be considered safe for continued use.
. . . electrical potential of the magnitude delivered by the iontophoretic toothbrush appears to be safe for daily use. Lefkowitz reported using a potential five hundred times greater . . . than supplied by the brush without damage to the pulp. There was no apparent damage to the soft or hard tissue of the oral cavity.
Home care . . an affective treatment by simply brushing teeth with a fluoride dentifrice and an iontophoretic toothbrush.
. . . an exceedingly potent therapeutic means of relieving hypersensitivity.
1962, Collins E.M., Loma Linda University, College of Dentistry
