Message Boards
Today's Active Topics Browse Forum Categories My Recent Activity My Messages Private Groups My Marked Threads My Subscriptions
Today's Active Images Today's Active Polls Most Active Topics Global Townie Map Advanced Message Board Search Message Board Terms of Use

Electric Toothbrushes: The Benefits of Tech by Richard Nagelberg, DDS

View Comments (1) More by this author (1)


Some patients who are using manual toothbrushes have excellent oral health. Far more frequently, however, this is not the case. I find that switching patients to a power toothbrush makes an immediate and positive impact on their oral health.

The reason power toothbrushes are more effective than manual brushes is due to the number of brush strokes. Power toothbrushes provide far more brush strokes than manual brushes in the same amount of time. Some power toothbrushes are able to provide more brush strokes in a minute than manual toothbrushes can deliver in a month. This makes them vastly more effective at removing plaque and preventing periodontal diseases.

Power toothbrushes are so significantly superior, in fact, there is essentially no comparison. And even though there’s an increased number of brush strokes, I still recommend toothpaste use with power toothbrushes. The polishing agent in toothpaste helps remove biofilm and teeth stains, and fluoridated toothpaste helps combat caries.

As a dental professional, I recommend power toothbrushes to my patients on a regular basis. That’s because a patient’s gingival health is a direct reflection of his or her home-care regimen. If the patient has periodontal involvement, changes in home care must occur immediately. Most commonly, this means switching to a power toothbrush.

When a patient develops periodontitis, the disease must be managed for the rest of his or her life. Educating patients about the use of a power toothbrush is all about effective communication. It is easy to help patients understand the differences between manual and power toothbrushes by describing the number of brush strokes provided by each. In my practice, when we discuss the power toothbrush model that provides more brush strokes in two minutes than a manual provides in a month, the impact is stunning. We have this type of dialogue every day.

For the patient to receive the maximum benefit, it’s essential that the power toothbrush receives proper care. Power toothbrush heads (like manual toothbrushes) should be replaced every three months because as the bristles wear over time, they remove less plaque. This is the case even before the bristles are visibly splayed. Research indicates that plaque removal by a brush head that is three months old is diminished by approximately 27 percent. On a clinical level, patients can immediately feel the difference in the firmness of the bristles on a new brush head.

Small-sized brush heads are helpful for patients with accessibility issues. Patients with limited opening, small mouths, or tight buccal vestibules, and individuals with crowded dentition are the patients who benefit most from small-sized brush heads. The only potential disadvantage is if an individual without limited access uses a small manual brush head—it may take longer to remove biofilm throughout the mouth. However, with power toothbrushes providing two-minute automatic brushing cycles and an increased number of strokes, sticking with proper brushing with a smaller brush head is sure to provide thorough cleaning of all dentition.



Dr. Richard H. Nagelberg is an advocate for understanding the medical manifestations of periodontal disease and systemic links. Since 2003, Dr. Nagelberg has presented hundreds of lectures and continuing-education seminars nationwide and has published several articles. His online continuing-education courses have provided thousands of dentists and hygienists with valuable professional development opportunities for furthering their education and careers..


Sponsors
Site Menu
Message Boards Articles Continuing Education Podcasts Blogs Classifieds News Events Townie® Poll Ebooks Townie Choice Awards
Company Info
Contact Us Advertise With Us Howard Farran DDS, MBA Policies and Agreements
Site Help
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2024 Hygienetown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450