We are told that using an electric toothbrush is proven to be more effective than manual versions. We are bombarded by messages from advertisments, marketing and dentists. Are you a sceptic?
An eleven year study has absoloutely proven the statement.
Electric toothbrushes clean teeth and gums much better than a manual toothbrush.
Using an electric toothbrush will lead to less tooth decay, healthier gums and longer lasting teeth. Compared with those who use a manual toothbrush.1
Research has taken eleven years to complete and is the most substantive study of its kind. A detailed study on the effectiveness of manual Vs electric toothbrushes.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE says this study backs up what smaller studies have previously suggested.
“Health experts have been speaking about the benefits of electric toothbrushes for many years. This evidence is one of the strongest and clearest yet – electric toothbrushes are better for our oral health.
Electric toothbrushes, especially those with heads that rotate in both directions, or ‘oscillating’ heads, are really effective at removing plaque. This helps keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay”.
The Oral Health Foundation found that less than half of British adults use an electric toothbrush.2
For (63%) of electric toothbrush owners, better cleaning is their reason behind the switch. More than a third are persuaded to buy one because of the advice of a dentist. A tenth pursuaded through advertising.
Those using a manual toothbrush, the cost of going electric is often an ojection.
Dr Carter follows on – “As technology has developed, the cost of having an electric toothbrush becomes even more affordable.You can buy an electric brush for as little as £30.”
“Given the advantages of electric toothbrushes, having one is an excellent investment and could really benefit the health of your mouth.”
The general advice is that whether you use a maunual or electric toothbrush you should follow good oral healthcare guidance.
Whether you’re using a manual or electric toothbrush you should be brushing for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
In addition, a good oral health routine would not be complete without using an interdental brush or floss once a day.
Envisage Dental TV create educational content to show on your waiting room TV. This will enable you to engage and inform your waiting clients about this and many other oral healthcare topics. Please click to find our more.
For more oral health information you can head over to www.dentalhealth.org. Alternatively, you can call the free and impartial Dental Helpline on 01788 539780.
REFERENCES
- ORAL HEALTH FOUNDATION (2018) ‘National Smile Month Nationwide Survey 2019’, Atomik Research, May 2019, Sample 2,003.
- Pitchika, V, Pink, C, Völzke, H, Welk, A, Kocher, T, Holtfreter, B. Long‐term impact of powered toothbrush on oral health: 11‐year cohort study. J Clin Periodontol. 2019; 46: 713– 722. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13126
