Dental plaque is main etiological factor for dental caries and gingivitis, and periodontal diseases. Tooth brushing technique is best way to remove dental plaque from tooth surface. Tooth brushing makes person feel fresh, reduce bad breath, and improves smile. Traditionally, manual toothbrushes are most often used worldwide. Powered toothbrushes are introduced as alternative to manual brushes especially for older people, patients with limited dexterity and for children.
Types of electronic brushes
Power toothbrushes were introduced in 1960s, but they become popular in 1990’s. “Although power toothbrushes are not particularly recent in origin, advancement designs, and motion of bristles, reduction in the cost made them popular recent times.” Powered brushes were categorized into different types based on the movement of bristles.
- Counter oscillation in which adjacent tufts of bristles (usually 6–10) rotate in one direction and then the other, independently. Each tuft rotating in the opposite direction to that adjacent to it.
- Ultrasonic type in which the brush bristles vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies (i.e., above 20 kHz)
- Ionic type in which electric charges are released from brush bristles, this brings about disruption of plaque from tooth surface.
- Rotational movements – in these brush heads move in rotation independent of each other.
- Side to side movements – in these, brush heads move side to side laterally.
- Circular, - in this type of brush head rotates in one direction only.
- Ultrasonic brushes in which bristles vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies (> 20 kHz).
- Sonic brushes – which operates at frequencies between 200 to 400 Hz
Literature evidence
Powered toothbrushes are found to be more significant in reduction of plaque on tooth surface compared to manual brushing technique. Bristle motion in electronic toothbrushes produce hydrodynamic shear forces that disrupts dental plaque from tooth surface more effectively compared to manual brushes. Cochrane review demonstrated that plaque formaton and gingivitis is reduced by 11% and 6% respectively after one to three months of use.
Davidovich E concluded from research conducted up to 2019 (systematic review), that powered toothbrushes are more effective in plaque reduction than manual brushes. Highest of evidence was for rotation oscillation brushes which demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis. A rotating oscillating type of electric toothbrush consistently showed significant advantage over manual toothbrushes.
Advantages
- In built time settings in electronic toothbrushes will help you keep track on brushing time.
- These electronic brushes available with range of variable speeds that will be help helpful for people with sensitive teeth and gums.
- Few higher range electric toothbrushes even have a warning light that indicates higher pressure applied while brushing.
- Children are often reluctant for manual brushing, finds fun with usage of electronic brushes.
- These electronic toothbrushes are pre-settings of equal time for brushing each quadrant that helps to a better cleaning.
- They also help to reach the difficult areas in the mouth which cannot be cleaned with manual brushes.
- Less abrasive (less chance of enamel and dentin loss) compared to manual brushing
- Electric toothbrushes are generally more effective than regular brushes at removing stains. This makes them an excellent tool for teeth whitening.
Disadvantages
A powered brush is not the right answer for everyone, and it is worth weighing the practical drawbacks before buying one. The main considerations are cost, upkeep and durability rather than any risk to your teeth:
- Electronic toothbrushes are expensive than manual brushes.
- They require replacement of brush heads frequently
- Higher risk of damage to brush due overcharging or breakage
Though selection of type of toothbrush is individual choice, dentist recommends brushing of teeth twice daily, for 2 minute each time with proper technique is utmost important to maintain good gum and teeth health.
Frequently asked questions
Written and medically reviewed by
Dr. Pravallika
MDS — Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry specialist at Ravi's Dental Care & Implant Centre, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam, focused on hygiene technique, plaque control and stopping decay before it starts.