Brush up your knowledge – Is an electric toothbrush really better than a manual toothbrush?
Much research has been done in comparing the manual and electric toothbrush. Consumer reports have shown that both are effective, if you brush correctly and thoroughly for two minutes. Moreover, brushing at least twice a day helps to get rid of plaque and keep your mouth healthy. Although both are effective, the research shows the electric brush has a slight edge when compared to a manual one.
How is the electric brush better than a manual one?
Studies have shown that electric brushes, when compared to a manual brush, can reduce plaque by 21% percent and Gingivitis by 11% percent. The results are evident after 3 months of continuous use.
How does an electric toothbrush work?
Unlike a manual toothbrush, the electric brush provides a thorough cleaning of the tooth. It works on an oscillating principle. They use a back-and-forth rotating motion to encase each tooth. The sonic toothbrushes have vibrating brush heads they move side to side but do not rotate. Both are effective in removing plaque and providing a deep clean of the mouth.
Evidence on electric brushes
Cochrane provided evidence that the electric brush is significantly better than the manual type. He performed 56 trials on 5068 random participants each were given either an electric or manual brush.
Searches identified 354 trials, of which 29 met inclusion criteria. These trials involved 2.547 participants who provided data for meta-analysis. Results indicated that for both plaque and gingivitis, all types of power toothbrushes worked as well as manual toothbrushes, however only the rotating oscillating toothbrush consistently provided a statistically significant though modest benefit over manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque (7%) and gingivitis (17%).
Results for Gingivitis elimination
In respect to Gingivitis, powered toothbrush shows more successful outcomes. It provides a significant benefit in the reduction of Gingivitis. It was roughly 6% lower than the initial Gingivitis condition. This result improved to 11% after 3 months continuous use.
Side effects data
Studies were conducted with different types of brushes manual, side to side and counter oscillation.
Few studies reported on side effects; any reported side effects were localised and only temporary.There were no adverse effects, and all provided positive outcomes in the reduction of plaque as well as gingivitis.
Who electric toothbrushes benefit?
As electric toothbrushes do most of the work, they are beneficial to elderly people with mobility issues or those with conditions such as carpal tunnel or arthritisall people with developmental disabilities. They can achieve effective tooth brushing a deep oral clean. They may also be they are a great solution for those suffering from poor dexterity.
Benefits of Electric Brushers with Built-In Timers
A built-in timer can help you brush your teeth a dequately to remove plaque.If you are a new user, you can set the timer for90 seconds then increase to 2 minutes once you are used to it. The electric brush is useful where children are concerned, it helps them to brush their teeth correctly.
Systemic Review of the electric toothbrush
The variations that resulted after trials were of statistical significance. Research showed that battery-operated vibrational toothbrushes are effective when compared to the manual brush. Electric powered brushes showed more beneficial impact, yet the long-term results are still unclear. Decent toothpaste,a good quality soft bristled brush and proper technique will all help manual brushers to remove plaque from the teeth.
If you do not think you are brushing correctly, and teeth still feel unclean choose an electric brush. They do a lot of the hard work for you.
Reference
consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/08/electric-toothbrush-vs-manual/index.htm
https://s4be.cochrane.org/blog/2018/11/02/electric-vs-manual-toothbrushes-whats-the-evidence/
https://larkhamhouse.co.uk/electric-toothbrush-or-manual-toothbrush.
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