Electric vs Manual?
Choosing the right toothbrush makes a big difference. You might be wondering: What’s the best option – an oscillating (Oral B) toothbrush or a sonic one? A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) in 2020 looked into this question and found some interesting results.
How do electric toothbrushes work?
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand how electric toothbrushes work:
Oscillating Toothbrushes: These toothbrushes have a round brush head that moves back and forth (or “oscillates”) to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Some models also rotate and pulse.
Common brands: Oral B, Oral B iO
Sonic Toothbrushes: These toothbrushes use high-frequency vibrations to move the brush head at a much faster speed (think buzzing at a very high rate). This vibrating action is designed to create fluid movement, which helps clean areas between your teeth and along the gumline.
Common brands: Phillips Sonicare, Suri, Colgate
The Findings from the 2020 Study
1) Better Plaque Removal with Oscillating Toothbrushes
The study showed that oscillating-rotating toothbrushes were more effective at removing plaque than sonic toothbrushes. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. If not properly removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities.
2) Improved Gum Health with Oscillating Toothbrushes
Not only were oscillating toothbrushes better at removing plaque, but they also helped reduce gingival inflammation – the swelling or redness of the gums caused by plaque build-up. The study found that people using oscillating brushes had healthier gums, with less bleeding and irritation.
Healthy gums are important because they help support your teeth and protect them from infection.
3) Sonic Toothbrushes: Still Good, But Not as Effective for Plaque
While sonic toothbrushes are still beneficial for oral hygiene, the study found they were not as effective as oscillating brushes at removing plaque and improving gum health. Sonic toothbrushes can clean well, but their method of high-speed vibration doesn’t seem to be as effective at breaking down plaque when compared to the back-and-forth action of an oscillating brush.
What does this mean for you?
If your goal is to remove plaque and reduce gum inflammation for better oral health, the JADA 2020 study suggests that an oscillating-rotating toothbrush is the better option.
However, if you’re happy with your sonic toothbrush and it works for you, don’t worry! It’s still a good tool for cleaning your teeth and gums, especially if you brush properly and use it consistently. But, for those looking for the most effective option, the oscillating toothbrush is likely to give you a bit of an edge.
My thoughts and what do I use:
In my experience, I agree with these findings and for me the sonic electric toothbrushes just aren’t as effective. I love the Oral B range – they are effective, ergonomic to use and it is easy to purchase replacement heads for them.
I personally use the Oral B iO 10. I want to be clear – I do not get paid by Oral B to promote their products, I simply believe that they are excellent brushes. The Oral B iO 10 is a fantastic toothbrush with all of the features required to brush effectively. The AI modes and personalised brush tracking mean that I can track my brushing effectively over time, so I know I’m cleaning every tooth effectively. I get that dentist-clean feeling every time!
Book a check-up with Dr Dhroov Thanki, your gum health dentist, today!