Is Electric Toothbrush better then regular toothbrushes?

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SUMMARY

Electric toothbrushes are superior to manual toothbrushes in terms of dental health, as supported by clinical studies. Research from Cochrane indicates that electric toothbrushes reduce dental plaque by 21% and gingivitis by 11% more effectively than manual brushes after three months of use. Users report significant improvements in dental health, including fewer cavities and better gum health, particularly with oscillating and sonic models like Sonicare. Dentists universally recommend electric toothbrushes for their enhanced cleaning capabilities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dental hygiene practices
  • Familiarity with electric toothbrush types, such as oscillating and sonic
  • Knowledge of dental health metrics like plaque and gingivitis
  • Awareness of clinical research methodologies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effectiveness of Sonicare toothbrushes in dental care
  • Explore the Cochrane review on electric vs. manual toothbrushes
  • Learn about the mechanics of oscillating and sonic toothbrush technology
  • Investigate the long-term benefits of electric toothbrush use on oral health
USEFUL FOR

Dental professionals, individuals seeking to improve their oral hygiene, and anyone considering the switch from manual to electric toothbrushes.

SidnSutton
Hi Everyone!

I'm wondering.. Is Electric Toothbrush better then regular toothbrushes?

Can you please share thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.
 
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SidnSutton said:
Is Electric Toothbrush better then regular toothbrushes?
I find electric better -- I've been using one for years. Every dentist I've consulted has recommended electric over manual.
 
Absolutely better. I had a lot of teeth problems before getting a quality electric brush. Now in the past 5 years no cavities. It's been the difference for me.
 
SidnSutton said:
Hi Everyone!

I'm wondering.. Is Electric Toothbrush better then regular toothbrushes?

Can you please share thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.

You ought to ask this question to your dentist.

From talking to my own dentist, and from my own personal experience, an electric toothbrush (I have a Sonicare) is definitely better, especially in cleaning the back side of teeth which is usually difficult to get at with a regular toothbrush.

Zz.
 
Consumer Reports is not exactly a peer-reviewed journal, but this article does reference a set of clinical studies:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/08/electric-toothbrush-vs-manual/index.htm

In the past, Consumer Reports has said electric and manual toothbrushes are equally effective as long as you brush teeth thoroughly for 2 minutes, twice a day. But an analysis of 56 studies published in 2014 by the international evidence-based research organization Cochrane found that electric models may have a slight edge.

Compared with manual toothbrushes, electrics reduced dental plaque 21 percent more and gingivitis (i.e., inflammation of the gums) 11 percent more after three months of use, the team from Cochrane found.

More than half of the studies Cochrane researchers looked at involved rotating, oscillating electric toothbrushes featuring heads that spin swiftly in one direction and then the other. Other studies examined sonic toothbrushes that have vibrating brush heads; powered brushes that move side-to-side but don’t rotate; ones with tufts that move in different directions; as well as types that attempt to dislodge plaque via a mild electrical charge. The researchers didn’t draw conclusions about the best kind of brush.
 
My dentist told me that "my gums would thank me" if I used one. And I do.
 
I also have a sonicare. The reports from my dentist have been better since I got it. I haven't always been good about flossing but have been in the habit again and the reports are better with flossing. If you were forced to pick one or the other i would say keep flossing. As far as less cavities go, you can't get any less than what I have.
 
Its way better than any regular toothbrush. :biggrin:
 
  • #10
Once you go electric you're thinking to yourself "why didn't I do this earlier?".

Electric toothbrush wins, hands down, bar none, no competition. Case closed :)
 
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