Are electric toothbrushes more effective ?

So, clearly, electric toothbrushes must be better for you right ?

Not necessarily… We have patients who say they their teeth feel less clean after using an electric toothbrush. And we have patients who swear by their sonic toothbrushes as well.

While having an electric toothbrush cannot hurt, I think it really boils down to the technique, and that its not the toothbrush that makes the difference.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes sport about 2500 to 7500 rotations per minute and are designed to replicate the motion of your hand. They use electric power or batteries and do the work your hand would normally do. These toothbrushes move one of two ways, rotate or back and forth. This motion helps to remove plaque in reducing gingivitis.

Sonic Toothbrushes

These toothbrushes vibrate rapidly, often in excess of 30,000 vibrations/strokes every minute. This rapid motion is the sonic’s claim to fame. The rapid motion aims to remove plaque buildup and keep teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Manual toothbrushes

The old-fashioned way of brushing your teeth using a manual toothbrush results in about 300 strokes per minute. So over the two-minute recommended brushing time, your teeth get about 600 strokes.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Studies show that sonic and electric toothbrushes are better at reducing plaque and gingivitis.

A 2003 study by Cochrane Oral Health Group (University of Manchester) concluded that, compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes with rotational-oscillation action result a modest reduction in plaque and gingivitis (7 and 17 percent, respectively) compared with manual toothbrushes. But the study also found that when used properly, manual and powered brushes can both be equally effective.

Sonic Toothbrushes – Some amazing statistics

A 1997 Stanford study, showed that 95% of the dental plaque was removed using a sonic toothbrush, if the contact between the sonic toothbrush and the enamel was at least 5 seconds. If the contact time was 10 seconds or longer essentially all of the dental plaque was removed.

So what is the best option for you?

Electric toothbrushes may work better for people who are typically not good at reaching into the nooks and corners of their teeth. They may also benefit children who often lack dexterity as well as older people who may suffer arthritis or similar conditions which makes it harder for them to brush effectively.

Additionally, electric toothbrushes may motivate some people to brush more often since its less physical work.

Conclusion – What Should I buy ?

It depends on your dexterity and your budget. Manual tooth brushes can be bought for under a few dollars, and when used properly, achieve very good results. Powered tooth brushes such as Sonicare could cost between $20 and $200.

The above mentioned statistic wrt Sonic toothbrushes (95-100% plaque removal) is incredible and leads me to believe that if you have persistent plaque build up in your teeth (your dentist will likely mention this during your periodic exams), you should consider trying out a sonic toothbrush.

So in essence, there are advantages to Sonic tooth brushes. However, the benefits are not game changing if your technique with your manual toothbrush is already good and if you don’t have plaque.

Footnote:
Regardless of which toothbrush you use, you may want to read our post about brushing.

Authorship information and references:
Stanford CM, Srikantha RWu CD. Efficacy of the Sonicare Toothbrush Fluid Dynamic Action on Removal of Human Supragingival Plaque. Journal of Clinical Dentistry. Vol. 8, No. 1. 1997.