Have you ever wondered whether it's time that you ditched your manual toothbrush for the powered variety featured in the pretty ads? Well, the highly regarded not-for-profit international health care organization The Cochrane Health Group reviewed about 354 research studies on whether you should. Their findings are that it's a good idea, but that the improvement for most people is just going to be modest.

The Cochrane Health Group found that only the power brushes that rotate (oscillate to be precise) are better, so forget about buying the power brushes with vibrating bristles. Other key findings were that versus a manual toothbrush;
- The amount of extra plaque that is removed is about 7%.
- The amount of gingivitis that is reduced is about 17%.

Because the findings were for the general population, one would expect that the switch to power toothbrushes would logically lead to greater improvements for elderly patients with limited hand movement. One would also expect for the improvements to be more meaningful for those individuals who are at medium to high risk of decay.
By Dr Bradley Xue
Power toothbrushes are particularly great for such individuals where every little bit helps to prevent that next cavity. They get to hard to reach areas with their small heads. They do all the work for you by rotating. They tell you how long you've been brushing with a timer. They're worth their investment if they help to avoid even one cavity.
On the other hand, if your dentist finds that your toothbrushing is already very thorough, then switching to a power toothbrush is not likely to make too much of a difference. For most individuals, a slight modification of your brushing technique; by being aware of brushing gently closer to the gums around all the teeth, may be better than buying a power toothbrush. After all, even a power toothbrush needs to be put over the right areas for enough time.

The next time you are thinking about saying goodbye to your manual toothbrush consider the following
key points;
- Switch it if you are aware that there can be improvements to your current oral hygiene and you want to get all the help you can get.
- Be aware that having a
balanced diet, brushing more thoroughly, and flossing daily is going to make a bigger difference towards minimizing decay and gum disease than changing to a power toothbrush alone.
- It's a great gift idea for elderly family members who have declining manual dexterity or youngsters who don't brush thoroughly or for long enough.


Please email drxue@thesmileteam.com.au if you have any questions.


References:
Penick C. Power toothbrushes: a critical review. J Dent Hyg. Int J Dent Hyg. 2004 Feb;2(1):40-4.
Forrest JL, Miller SA. Manual versus powered toothbrushes: a summary of the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Systematic Review. Part II. J Dent Hyg. 2004 Spring;78(2):349-54.

power (electric) toothbrushes versus manual toothbrushes
we look at whether you should make the switch
phone: (03) 9859 8517 fax: (03) 9819 7756 email: info@thesmileteam.com.au
© Copyright 2012, KX Dental P/L, All rights reserved. The Smile Team, 11 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North, Melbourne, Victoria 3104.
SITE MAP
call: 9859 8517
'Money' magazine Australia features our advice
Our toothbrushing advice has been featured in Money magazine Australia. Click to view the magazine article in PDF...
MAIN

ABOUT US
before and afters
updates
oral health therapists
practice images
ten reasons to select us

NEW PATIENTS

PROBLEM SOLVER
bad breath halitosis
chewing problems
dental anxiety
gum disease
jaw joint and muscles
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
at what age should my child have a dental visit
digital dental xrays and safety of dental xrays
do you see new patients
electric vs power tooth brushes
gum disease
how much will treatment cost
how often should you visit a dentist?
how to book an appointment
infection control and sterilization
knocked tooth and what to do
opening hours
over the counter whitening
payment options
preferred provider
staning on teeth
toothache
treatment value
veneer implant crowns
what to do with a broken tooth
what to do in a dental emergency
where can i park
which power toothbrush should you choose
what is the best toothbrush
what is the best toothpaste
white cosmetic fillings
whitening options
whitening success
will treatment be comfortable

CARE OPTIONS
invisalign invisible braces
zoom whitening

LOCATION
CONTACT US