Toothbrush, Floss, Interdental Brush and Other Oral Care Device Cleaning Efficacy Evaluation

Novel toothbrushes and interdental cleaning products are continuously evolving, featuring innovative materials and various filament types and profiles. Both manual and electric toothbrushes boast unique bristle designs and shapes that enhance their marketing appeal. These dental care devices are often specifically designed to effectively remove stains and reduce plaque on tooth surfaces and in interproximal spaces. Independent evidence that clearly demonstrates device efficacy and performance is critical to support robust marketing or pack claims and to provide information that can help direct further product development.

Our team of laboratory scientists routinely carry out comparative testing of the cleaning performance of toothbrushes, interdental brushes, flosses and tapes. Cleaning performance studies are applied to investigate significant improvements in efficacy and suitable repeats are planned to assess product and assessor variability. We are experienced in the design and fabrication of dental and interproximal cleaning models using extracted human teeth which can either be stained or coated with real or artificial plaque. Following brushing simulations, digital image analysis is used to give robust data and insights into cleaning efficacy. Images can be assessed subjectively or by using digital analysis. Percentage cleaning data and any requested statistical analysis is provided in a report containing tables, graphs and images.

 

Ensuring the safety, performance, and consumer satisfaction of both manual and electric toothbrushes involves a broad scope of rigorous testing. In vitro testing, such as stain removal and plaque reduction studies, supports the efficacy of bristle designs, while cleaning performance is measured using a modified pellicle cleaning ratio (PCR) test. Interproximal cleaning studies specifically assess the toothbrush’s ability to clean between teeth.

For over 20 years our Clinical Research Services has been a trusted partner for developers and manufacturers of oral care products. We offer a range of tests to assess the safety, durability, and performance of toothbrushes. We follow robust testing protocols that cover safety certifications, regulatory compliance, and advertising claim support, ensuring that products not only meet high standards but also deliver consumer satisfaction.

 

Intertek's Total Quality Assurance expertise brings quality and safety to life by providing a one-source solution for in vitro studies providing robust data to support the efficacy and marketing claims of novel treatments. As an ISO 9001 accredited laboratory and also licensed under the Human Tissue Act 2004, we ensure rigorous quality management across all our studies whilst following both the HTA and local ethical guidelines for handling and storing human tissue responsibly. By working to the spirit of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), we deliver reliable, reproducible results built on integrity, scientific rigor, and regulatory compliance.