Abstract
BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in the use of white label manual toothbrushes and a greater increase in inquiries for discomfort of the gingiva and mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial was made of four white brand toothbrushes versus a control brush (Vitis Suave®), with the recording of plaque index, bleeding upon probing, and gingival abrasions following utilization of the different brushes. RESULTS: All the brushes except Deliplus® were equally effective in terms of plaque removal (p<0.05). Vitis Suave® and Veckia® were the brushes associated to the greatest increase in minor abrasions (p<0.01), while Veckia®, Carrefour® and Deluxe® significantly increased the number of medium intensity abrasions (p<0.05). These brushes also increased the number of large abrasions, though statistical significance was not reached in this case. CONCLUSIONS: The white brand brushes proved effective in controlling bacterial plaque, but were associated to more intense soft tissue abrasion. KEY WORDS: Gingival abrasions, manual tooth brushing, white brand, clinical effects.