Premise
The electric toothbrush made its debut on the market some fifty years ago: today, it has fully acquired a prestigious role among the instruments dedicated to home dental hygiene.
Description of the electric toothbrush
Today, there are many types of electric toothbrushes on the market, which differ in shape, price, head size, type of bristles, operating mechanism, speed and design. Despite the countless varieties of electric toothbrushes, most of them consist essentially of two distinct parts:
- Electric toothbrush head, equipped with rotating bristles, vibrate or oscillate at a certain frequency (different types of mechanics can regulate the movement of the electric toothbrush).
- Body of the electric toothbrush: it contains a motor which, connected to the power supply batteries, transmits to the head above the oscillatory / rotary movement.
Most toothbrushes work with a low voltage mechanism (equal to or less than 12 V). While some models use a transformer that powers the instrument via a cable (wall socket), others - the majority - have a rechargeable battery inside the body of the toothbrush.
HEAD OF THE ELECTRIC BRUSH
Although there are different models of electric toothbrushes, the brushing method remains almost the same. On the market, these electric instruments are available with round or rectangular heads, capable of performing rotary, oscillating, low or high frequency lateral movements. In general, the advice of the experts is mainly aimed at toothbrushes with circular rotating heads. Compared to other types of brushes, in fact, the electric ones with round heads ensure oscillatory and rotational movements such as to be effective not only in the removal of plaque, but also in the prevention of gingival bleeding.
BODY OF THE ELECTRIC BRUSH
The body of the electric toothbrush (the handle) contains the motor and the power supply batteries, which are essential for transmitting the oscillatory impulse to the head above. The final price of an electric toothbrush is also established (and above all) based on the type of motor:
- Cheap electric toothbrushes: they are equipped with a non-rechargeable battery with an interchangeable head. The oscillation speed of the head is about 4500 oscillations per minute
- More expensive electric toothbrushes: equipped with rechargeable batteries, this type of electric toothbrush also reaches 9000 oscillations per minute.
A pressure sensor can be placed in the body of the electric toothbrush: it is a specific signal indicating an excessive brushing pressure. Other electric toothbrushes have a timer, very useful for signaling the time spent brushing each dental semi-enclosure.
Many electric instruments for dental hygiene are equipped with extra comfort, therefore with functions that improve the characteristics of the product (eg head holders, toothpaste, etc.).
Deepening: electric water jet brush
The water jet can be compared to a sort of miniature pressure washer. By producing a powerful pressurized water jet (with frequencies up to 3000 pulses / minute), the electric water jet brush has been designed to more effectively remove plaque and food deposits trapped between the gum and teeth. This "superaccessoriato" electric toothbrush is particularly suitable for cleaning dental prostheses, fixed dental appliances and dental capsules thoroughly.
Remove stains from the teeth
The electric toothbrush is not a professional dental instrument; therefore, it cannot remove any stains from the teeth like a professional tooth whitening. In the presence of yellow teeth, dull or stained with coffee, tea, licorice or other foods, it is advisable to use the electric toothbrush combined with a toothpaste prepared with natural whitening products (such as sage or bicarbonate of soda). As we know, while not completely removing the stains from the teeth, teeth whitening agents can still significantly improve the natural color tone of the enamel.
Advantages
Many authors are of the opinion that the correct and flawless use of the electric toothbrush is more effective in removing plaque and food residues between tooth and tooth than manual toothbrushes. These important instruments for oral cleaning, in fact, impart much faster oscillations and movements to the head than can be obtained from a classic toothbrush; in doing so, the oscillating bristles remove the plaque even in areas that are difficult to reach. This is confirmed by a study reported in the prestigious journal in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene .
The use of an electric toothbrush is also advantageous for all those who complain of difficulty in putting the correct dental hygiene rules into practice with a manual toothbrush, such as children or disabled people.
Another advantage of the electric toothbrush is that children seem more stimulated and stimulated in oral hygiene, since they find it fun to brush teeth and gums with an instrument that oscillates and pulsates.
However, it is important to note that electric toothbrushes are not all the same: their effectiveness is closely linked to the method of use and the type of instrument chosen.
Disadvantages
An incorrect or superficial use of the electric toothbrush proves to be ineffective for daily oral hygiene. The instruction for the correct use of electric dental cleaning systems is of fundamental importance to optimally eliminate dirt from teeth; in this regard, see our guide: how to perform a correct dental hygiene with an electric toothbrush?
In addition to not granting a deep cleaning of the teeth, an incorrect use of this electric tool can set the basis for gum recessions (gums withdrawn), lesions on the gums, caries and other tooth pathologies. If not properly removed by the electric movement of the brushes, the plaque settles on the teeth, making them dull and yellowed.
Precisely to escape from "accidents" in the cleaning of teeth, it is necessary to put into practice all the fundamental rules for an impeccable brushing.
For further information and doubts on the use of the electric toothbrush, it is advisable to request the opinion of your trusted dentist.
Manual or electric toothbrush?
The qualification of "best toothbrush" still seems to be an open question. The experts' opinion is divided into two:
- Many authors believe that the correct use of an electric toothbrush favors the removal of plaque and food residues between the teeth: in fact, the oscillations and movements promoted by the electric toothbrush are not comparable to those obtained by manual brushing.
- Others, which contrast the previous thought, are instead of the opinion that an impeccable home cleaning of the teeth does not depend so much on the type of toothbrush chosen, but rather on the way of brushing, be it electric or manual. In fact, it should not be overlooked that anyone who uses a manual toothbrush with optimal skill, three times a day, and immediately after meals, can undoubtedly obtain an extremely satisfactory result, comparable to what could be achieved with a rotating toothbrush .
However, the experts of both categories agree on one thought: the electric toothbrush is much more effective than a manual toothbrush for those patients who have physical limitations or pathological impediments in performing home dental cleaning.
