Should I Plug In?

More and more of my patients have asked me about electric and ion toothbrushes. With technological advances being made in the toothbrush industry, I thought it would be a good time to list the advantages, and disadvantages, of using an electric toothbrush.

Minute for minute, electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plague than a manual toothbrush. In particular, studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove the bacteria Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Prevotella Intermedia more effectively than manual toothbrushes. Levels of the bacteria, major culprits in causing adult tooth loss, decreased faster than when a traditional toothbrush was used. (British Dental Journal, 1997).

Several types of electric toothbrushes are available. Usually these toothbrushes have a smaller head than their manual counterpart. While this may seem to make them less effective at cleaning the teeth, the smaller heads actually clean better than electric toothbrushes with "normal" sized heads. The larger heads tend to be too bulky when combined with the automatic motion leading to areas of the mouth being missed.

In addition to size, head motion comes in three patterns: circular, elliptical, and up-and-down. Studies have not been definite, but there is an indication that the circular motion of the head may be more effective at cleaning the teeth than an up and down motion.

The bristle used for electric toothbrushes is very important. Since the bristle will be spinning and moving faster than a manual toothbrush, the bristles tend to wear out faster. Look for the softest and highest quality bristle.

Where do you start to look? The Internet is an excellent source. Oral-B, Interplak, Soni Care, and Braun all sell electric toothbrushes over the web. Or, call your local retailer for more information.