Many dental professionals concur that switching to a high-quality electric toothbrush can have a significant impact on the health of your teeth and gums. However, merely using an electric toothbrush doesn't guarantee that you're reaping all the benefits it can offer.
When combined with high-quality toothpaste and proper brushing techniques, the best electric toothbrushes can enhance your smile while effectively addressing oral health concerns. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes come equipped with advanced features and accessories like built-in timers and sensitive tooth settings, elevating your oral hygiene experience.
In this article, we'll explore the reasons for opting for an electric toothbrush and determine which of the two types, Sonic Electric or Rotating-Oscillating Toothbrushes, is superior.
Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes
While a manual toothbrush can provide a thorough dental cleaning, sonic electric toothbrushes are a great alternative, especially for kids, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those facing conditions like arthritis. The bristle movements of an electric toothbrush can aid in more effectively removing plaque and food particles from the teeth, contributing to healthier gums.
However, regardless of whether you choose a manual or electric toothbrush, it's essential to emphasise the importance of regular brushing and flossing in maintaining your oral health.
Why Your Toothbrush Matters
You might be wondering, 'What's the fuss about? Does your toothbrush type even matter?' The answer is yes.
Manual toothbrushes can clean your teeth effectively with good brushing techniques. However, they'll never be as effective as an electric toothbrush. Why? Well, electric toothbrushes offer a more consistent clean. If your technique isn't great or your brush is too hard, then a manual toothbrush can lead to cavities or gum recession. Conversely, the ease of use of electric toothbrushes means pretty much anybody can achieve a comprehensive clean simply by gliding the brush over their teeth.
Even the type of electric toothbrush you choose makes a difference. A 2022 review comparing oscillating head vs sonic action toothbrushes found that sonic brushes were better for plaque removal and gum inflammation.
Benefits of Sonic Electric Toothbrushes
Sonic electric toothbrushes employ vibrating or rotating bristles to assist in the removal of plaque buildup from teeth and gums. The vibration enables finer micro-movements as you brush your teeth in a circular motion. Here are some notable advantages of Sonic electric toothbrushes:
1. Easier to Use for People with Limited Mobility: Electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, making them beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, including those with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, developmental disabilities, or mobility limitations.
2. Produces Less Waste: In many cases, replacing the head of an electric toothbrush generates less waste compared to discarding an entire manual toothbrush. However, if you use a single-use electric toothbrush, you'll need to replace the entire unit when the time comes.
3. Improves Oral Health in People with Orthodontic Appliances: Electric toothbrushes simplify brushing, especially for individuals with orthodontic appliances like braces. This ease of use encourages regular brushing, leading to healthier teeth and gums while orthodontic accessories are in place. Some sources even consider electric toothbrushes more effective and safer than orthodontic appliances like braces.
4. Effective Plaque Removal: Research shows that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis. After three months of use, there was a 21 per cent reduction in plaque and an 11 per cent reduction in gingivitis.
5. Provides a Fun Experience: Some children may lack interest in brushing their teeth. A smart toothbrush, particularly one that piques their interest, can make dental hygiene more engaging and encourage the formation of healthy habits.
Sonic vs. Rotating Oscillating Electric Toothbrushes
In the realm of electric toothbrushes, there are two primary types: Rotating Oscillating and Sonic Electric Toothbrushes.
Rotating Oscillating Electric Toothbrushes
These toothbrushes typically have bristles arranged in a circular head that oscillates back and forth. Over time, innovations have incorporated oscillating, vibrating, and pulsing brush head movements to enhance plaque removal beyond single-head action.
Oscillating toothbrushes operate at a brushing rate ranging from 2500 to 7500 rotations per minute, significantly more than the 300 rotations per minute of a manual toothbrush. This increased rotation speed allows electric oscillating toothbrushes to remove more plaque while still being gentle on the gums.
Pros
✓ Effective Plaque Removal. The rotating-oscillating action of these toothbrushes is highly effective at removing plaque and food debris. The mechanical movement glides over the tooth's surface, providing high-level cleaning without applying excessive pressure.
✓ Gentle on Gums. Because these toothbrushes let users glide the brush head over their teeth, they reduce the need for excessive pressure. This lowers the risk of gum damage, irritation, and recession caused by overly aggressive brushing techniques.
✓ User-Friendly. Simple and easy to use, they're often the preferred option for older adults and other less proficient users. Indeed, some brushes come with built-in timers and smart screens to improve their brushing technique.
Cons
x Noise and Vibration. Rotating-oscillating electric toothbrushes are loud – like really loud. The noise and vibration can be extremely uncomfortable and annoying, especially if you're in a public location.
x Cost and Maintenance. The constant rotation of the head means these brushes tend to wear out quickly. These models are also quite expensive due to the motor and batteries. Over the course of ownership, expect to buy numerous brush head replacements and even an entirely new battery.
Sonic Electric Toothbrushes
Sonic electric toothbrushes, like their rotating counterparts, feature spinning and oscillating motions to clear plaque, but they operate at a much higher speed. Sonic brushes average around 30,000 brush strokes per minute, compared to the 7,500 rotations per minute of oscillating toothbrushes. This rapid movement contributes to improved plaque removal.
Sonic toothbrushes also employ "fluid dynamics" in their cleaning process, going beyond mechanical scrubbing. The high-frequency bristle movements and vibratory speed agitate fluids in the mouth, extending cleaning reach by approximately 1/8 inch beyond the actual brush contact areas. This allows brushing to reach places where bristles alone can't, such as between teeth and around bridgework.
While using sonic technology may initially feel ticklish, users tend to adapt and enjoy the benefits of sonic electric toothbrushes.
Considering the significantly higher brushing speed and expanded coverage they offer, sonic brushes are generally seen as advantageous. The Sonic pulse technology's increased number of strokes per minute and fluid dynamics potential make it a more favourable choice for overall oral health.
Pros
✓ High-Speed Brushing. As mentioned, sonic brushes average ~30,000 movements per minute. However, harnessing the power of a Maglev motor, Oclean sonic toothbrushes far exceed this limit, reaching 84,000 movements per minute. These extremely high speeds easily cut through the plaque and sweep away debris without doing any damage to your gums.
✓ Dynamic Cleaning Action. The high-frequency vibrations of a sonic toothbrush help to agitate the fluids in the mouth, such as saliva and water, creating a dynamic cleaning action that extends beyond the bristles' reach. This helps clean hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line.
✓ Smart Screen Technology. Sonic electric toothbrushes are the cutting-edge of dental technology. Often, these brushes come with smart screens and on-board computers that measure brushing intensity, time, and location, helping to optimise your brushing technique.
Cons
x Sensation and Noise. Like rotating electric toothbrushes, the high-frequency vibrations are uncomfortable for some users – especially those with sensitive teeth or gums. The Oclean range of sonic toothbrushes uses ultra-quiet technology, however, to dampen the sound and reduce this downside.
x Higher Cost. You might get what you pay for, but often, sonic electric toothbrushes sell for much higher prices compared to their competitors. Compared to manual toothbrushes, you're paying a significant upfront investment. However, considering the quality of cleaning, you might save more money in the long term to reduce dental needs.
How to Use a Sonic Toothbrush Correctly
It's easy to get caught up in the debate over what type of electric toothbrush to choose. With good reason. Your toothbrush matters – it affects how you clean your teeth.
That being said, it's not the only thing that matters. If you've got poor brushing technique or you don't brush often enough, it doesn't matter which brush you use.
Let's go through the basics of brushing technique:
· Brush Regularly. This one goes without saying. All dentists recommend that you brush twice daily (morning and evening), cleaning your teeth for two minutes. That means you should spend around one minute on each set of teeth.
· Keep Your Toothbrush Charged. If you leave your toothbrush to go flat (or near flat), you won't get the same level of cleaning. As the battery empties, most electric toothbrushes become slower and slower. That's why it's sensible to charge your toothbrush at least once a week to get maximum efficacy.
· Glide Don't Press. There's a temptation to press the brush firmly against your teeth, scrubbing even as the electric toothbrush whirrs. That's a mistake. The obvious benefit of a sonic electric toothbrush is that you don't have to press too hard. Simply glide the brush head from tooth to tooth, holding it in place for a few seconds. Remember to follow the shape of the tooth and the curve of the gums. If you brush too hard, you can risk causing gum recession.
· Clean All Your Teeth. Just because an electric toothbrush takes the headache out of brushing doesn't mean you can skip steps. You need to go over each tooth, including its back surface. That means getting the toothbrush onto your molars and wisdom teeth.
· Brush the Gumline. Once you've gone over each tooth, gently glide the toothbrush along the gumline and gums. Doing so prevents the buildup of tartar and prevents any debris or bacteria from lurking in the gaps between the gums and teeth. You might also want to clean your tongue and the roof of your mouth, as this can be a source of bacteria.
Oclean: The "Oh So Clean" Solution
Oclean is a company dedicated to enhancing oral health through technology and innovation. They advocate for a comprehensive and effective oral care routine, producing quality, smart, and stylish oral care products. Their product range includes a series of sonic electric toothbrushes, professional cordless oral irrigators, and toothbrush sterilisers.
To fully optimise your dental hygiene, consider exploring the Oclean X Pro Elite Smart Electric Toothbrush or the Air 2T Sonic Electric Toothbrush:
1. The Air 2T Sonic Electric Toothbrush comes with a convenient wall mount and carrying case, simplifying your teeth-brushing routine. This toothbrush does most of the work for you, making it as easy as remembering to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
2. The X Pro Elite Smart Electric Toothbrush goes beyond the capabilities of a standard electric toothbrush. This intelligent toothbrush monitors your brushing habits, enabling you to take better care of your dental hygiene. With either of these high-quality sonic electric toothbrushes from Oclean, your teeth will be cleaner than ever before.
The Verdict
So, which is better, sonic toothbrushes vs rotating electric toothbrushes? The answer is pretty obvious: Sonic electric toothbrushes. With extremely high movement rates, less damage to gums, and other digital features, these electric toothbrushes stand head and shoulders above the competition.
Oclean Sonic Electric toothbrushes, in particular, are more affordable and effective than their competitors. With a Maglev motor reaching 84,000 movements per minute, you won't find a more powerful electric toothbrush for the price.
Just remember, the most important factor is still your brushing technique. Avoid pressing or brushing too hard, and use your electric toothbrush to glide along each tooth. Thanks to Oclean's smart screen, improving your brushing technique just got easier. Perfect for young and older brushers, it'll let you know where and how long you've cleaned, giving you a score out of 100. It's the gold standard for toothbrushes.