Electric toothbrushes have been around for decades, but many people still rely on manual brushes. If you are a patient who is not convinced of the benefits or a dentist trying to persuade patients to switch, there is plenty of good evidence to show how effective they are.
The electric toothbrush was invented in 1954 by Swiss physician Dr Philippe-Guy Woog, although these were initially marketed for those who had difficulty using manual brushes. This remained the case even after the cordless rechargeable brush was invented in 1961.
From the 1980s onwards, they became more mainstream products, used by the general population rather than specific groups such as children and the elderly. Even so, decades later, the situation persists where millions continue to prefer manual brushes.
A crucial advantage of electric brushes is that the rapid circular motion is more effective at removing plaque and reaching places that elongated manual brushes do not reach as easily, ensuring more effective brushing with greater access to all parts of the mouth.
What Does The Research Say About The Benefits Of Electric Toothbrushes?
If you need evidence that an electric toothbrush is better for your health, studies have provided it.
As Healthline notes, a study of research on the use of different brushes in the US showed that:
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People switching to electric enjoyed a 21 per cent reduction in plaque after three months.
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Gingivitis cases fell by 11 per cent over the same period.
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At least one study showed that using an electric toothbrush enabled users to focus better on what they were doing.
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One study showed that electric toothbrushes were easier to use for those wearing braces.
The only downside to an electric toothbrush is that it costs more, but this is a worthwhile investment for patients, not least because better oral health will save on both the cost and the discomfort of unpleasant treatments while sitting in the dentist’s chair.