Electric toothbrush
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An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses electric power to move the brush head. The first electric toothbrush was made in the 1800's by a man named Dr. Scott in America.
The first rotating electric toothbrush, the Broxodent[link], was introduced by Squibb Pharmaceutical at the centennial of the American Dental Association in 1960. These were initially created for patients with limited motor skills, as well as those with orthodontic patients (such as those with braces). Claims have been made that these are more effective than manual toothbrushes, as it leaves less room for patients to brush incorrectly.
However, other research finds most electric toothbrushes are no more effective than the manual variety. However, "rotation-oscillation" electric toothbrushes did marginally out-perform manual brushing, removing around 7% more plaque and leading to 17% less gum disease than manual brushes. [link] Any kind of electric toothbrush does tend to help people who are not as good at cleaning their teeth and as a result have had oral hygiene problems. Also, using an electric toothbrush is better for those who have arthritis as it does most of the moving.
This research does not exclude the possibility that people purchasing electric toothbrushes significantly improve their dental hygiene. Someone who has started to take cleaning their teeth more seriously may well improve their technique and at the same time decide on a purchase of an electric toothbrush. Hence the purchase is an effect rather than a cause. Furthermore, if the brusher enjoys brushing better with an electric toothbrush and brushes with it more carefully, more often, or for the proper amount of time because of its use, then it can significantly improve oral hygene by improving compliance with recommendations.
A new generation of electric toothbrush, the Sonic Toothbrush, claims to have greater cleaning potential. One popular brand of Sonic Toothbrush is the Sonicare manufactured by Philips. The Sonic Toothbrush was invented in 1983, and the brush head is capable of creating in exess of 30,000 brush strokes per minute. At this intense speed that the bristles vibrate, a secondary cleaning action occurs. It is able to provide energy to the liquids that surround the teeth, such as saliva. The motion of these fluids is able to dislodge dental plaque beyond where bristles can even reach.
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