Power vs Manual…the Toothbrush Debate
We live in a remarkable time. The advances of technology, science and medicine are phenomenal. Just think about some of the modern day conveniences we have. Can you picture life without a flushing toilet, an iPod, a microwave oven, a computer, central heating and air, Wi-Fi or cell phones…not to mention cars and other various modes of transportation? How did we ever survive without them?
One such modern marvel came about in the 1960′s…the electric toothbrush. Unlike belt massagers and NASA-inspired space food sticks, the electric toothbrush seems to be withstanding the test of time. It is true that power toothbrush effectiveness is seldom debated; however the concern over its safety is often in the hot seat. Simply put, consumers and dentists alike want to know if using an electric toothbrush has a negative impact on our gums and teeth, specifically by causing excessive wear/abrasions or premature recession of the gum tissue. Further concerns include the possibility of excessive force while brushing or increased brushing times.
To answer these concerns, the well-respected international Cochrane Collaboration Oral Health Group published a review of clinical research. They looked at a diverse group of nearly 2,000 patients in clinical trials using both electric and manual toothbrushes. From these trials they were able to ask and answer some of our concerns.*
Q: Are power toothbrushes associated with more gum recession?
A: NO. They found no significant differences in gum recession between the manual and power toothbrush
Q: Do power brushes use more force than manual toothbrushes?
A: NO. The average power brush brushing force was significantly lower than the average manual toothbrush brushing force.
Q: Do power brushes cause more abrasions than manual toothbrushes?
A: NO. Abrasions that could potentially be caused by tooth brushing were found in both manual and power brushes, occurring with about the same frequency.
The bottom line: research shows power toothbrushes to be safe when compared with manual brushes and do not pose a concern to oral safety.
*These results were based on O-R (oscillating-rotating) power toothbrushes.
http://issuu.com/sacdistrictdentalsociety/docs/f2014_page_web?e=2916318/6590065
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