An electric toothbrush for Christmas anyone?

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?

This is a question we are asked by patients almost every day. In fact, according to a study at Sheffield University, rotating brushes reduce 11% more plaque than manual toothbrushes, and can also significantly reduce gum problems – like gingivitis, in as little as four weeks. And the results get better the longer you use them.

The big advantage of electric brushes, is that they do most of the work for you, This is a particularly good thing for people who tend to be a bit heavy-handed with manual brushes, as overbrushing can lead to gum recession, toothwear and sensitivity. The better ones also have timers so you know exactly how long to brush for (two minutes is the recommended minimum). Ones with round heads and side-to-side oscillations are especially effective because they ‘hug’ the tooth as they brush, making sure it’s cleaned from more than one side.

The trick is to use then correctly. The most common mistake is to use them like you would a normal toothbrush. Instead, you should simply place the brush head against each individual tooth at a 45 degree angle to the gumline and let the little oscillations and pulsations do the rest.

Having said all that, the best kind of toothbrush is one that is used! If you are the sort of person whose mobile phone battery is always flat, maybe you should stick to the manual brush!