Electric Toothbrush - Effectiveness of Electric Toothbrushes

Effectiveness of Electric Toothbrushes

Independent research finds that although most electric toothbrushes are no more effective than manual brushes—assuming that people using a manual toothbrush will brush effectively—the rotation-oscillation-models have been found to be marginally better than manual ones. The research concludes that the way brushing is done, including the amount of time spent, is more important than the choice of brush. For certain patients with limited manual dexterity or where difficulty exists in reaching rear teeth, however, dentists strongly feel that electric toothbrushes can be especially beneficial.

The effectiveness of an electric toothbrush depends not only on its type of action and on correct use, but also on the condition of the brush head, which loses its effectiveness over time due to bristle breakdown and wear. Most manufacturers, as well as dental professionals, recommend that heads be changed every three to six months at minimum, or as soon as the brush head has visibly deteriorated.