I always wondered about this...
(Berkeley Wellness)
A simple toothbrush, toothpaste, a little elbow grease, and a couple of minutes are really all you need to brush your teeth well. But there are many toothbrush options, including lots of power models.
Would you like an electric toothbrush that signals you every 30 seconds to switch to another part of your mouth? Beeps if you are brushing too hard? Vibrates when you’ve brushed for two minutes? Massages your gums? Uses ultrasound to remove plaque? Toothbrush manufacturers make all kinds of claims about their products but it’s hard to evaluate them. Results of studies are often inconsistent, and at least one toothbrush manufacturer has had to modify its claims of superior performance in recent years.
The Cochrane Oral Health Care Group’s review (30 years of studies) compared manual and power toothbrushes and found that models with rotation-oscillation action (bristles that rotate in one direction, then the other) were the only ones superior to manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis—and the improvement was “modest.” No studies actually showed a reduction in periodontal disease or cavities even with rotation-oscillation action—all types of power toothbrushes worked well, but no better than manual. The Cochrane Collaboration assembles independent researchers to evaluate studies.
It’s fairly easy to maintain your dental health. A plain soft-bristled toothbrush is still your best buy. Use a fluoridated toothpaste, brush for two minutes each session, and replace the brush every three months or so. Floss at least once daily. See your dentist every six months for a professional checkup and cleaning.
Some reasons to buy an electric toothbrush
• You have a disability, such as arthritis, that limits your ability to brush.
• You don’t do a very good job with a manual toothbrush and want to take better care of your teeth.
• You like gadgets and would like a toothbrush that times your brushing sessions.
• You think it will encourage your child to brush.
• You tend to scrub too hard and would like a toothbrush that reminds you not to be too forceful.
If any of this applies to you, you’ll find many toothbrush models to choose from—some relatively inexpensive. It pays to price-shop in stores or on the Internet. Replacement brush heads, needed every three months or so, cost about $5 apiece. (Some heads change color to tell you when they are worn down.) You might want to look for a rotation-oscillation toothbrush. Or consider an inexpensive battery-powered model (about $10). These do a good job, but you have to replace the batteries often. T
(Berkeley Wellness)
A simple toothbrush, toothpaste, a little elbow grease, and a couple of minutes are really all you need to brush your teeth well. But there are many toothbrush options, including lots of power models.
Would you like an electric toothbrush that signals you every 30 seconds to switch to another part of your mouth? Beeps if you are brushing too hard? Vibrates when you’ve brushed for two minutes? Massages your gums? Uses ultrasound to remove plaque? Toothbrush manufacturers make all kinds of claims about their products but it’s hard to evaluate them. Results of studies are often inconsistent, and at least one toothbrush manufacturer has had to modify its claims of superior performance in recent years.
The Cochrane Oral Health Care Group’s review (30 years of studies) compared manual and power toothbrushes and found that models with rotation-oscillation action (bristles that rotate in one direction, then the other) were the only ones superior to manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis—and the improvement was “modest.” No studies actually showed a reduction in periodontal disease or cavities even with rotation-oscillation action—all types of power toothbrushes worked well, but no better than manual. The Cochrane Collaboration assembles independent researchers to evaluate studies.
It’s fairly easy to maintain your dental health. A plain soft-bristled toothbrush is still your best buy. Use a fluoridated toothpaste, brush for two minutes each session, and replace the brush every three months or so. Floss at least once daily. See your dentist every six months for a professional checkup and cleaning.
Some reasons to buy an electric toothbrush
• You have a disability, such as arthritis, that limits your ability to brush.
• You don’t do a very good job with a manual toothbrush and want to take better care of your teeth.
• You like gadgets and would like a toothbrush that times your brushing sessions.
• You think it will encourage your child to brush.
• You tend to scrub too hard and would like a toothbrush that reminds you not to be too forceful.
If any of this applies to you, you’ll find many toothbrush models to choose from—some relatively inexpensive. It pays to price-shop in stores or on the Internet. Replacement brush heads, needed every three months or so, cost about $5 apiece. (Some heads change color to tell you when they are worn down.) You might want to look for a rotation-oscillation toothbrush. Or consider an inexpensive battery-powered model (about $10). These do a good job, but you have to replace the batteries often. T
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