Electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes

Collective term for electrically operated devices used for individual oral hygiene at home. They generally consist of a minimum of two components: a replaceable brush unit ("brush head", "brush attachment") is attached to a handle ("handpiece").

Nowadays, with cheap "disposable products" the power supply for the integrated electric motor is produced by batteries (non-rechargeable) and with more high-quality products (in an inductive base station) by rechargeable batteries ("accus").

The vibration, rotation or oscillation frequency of the majority of units is in the range of 5.000/min. to 50.000/min. This causes all electric toothbrushes to produce a sonic (humming) sound. Frequencies above the auditory threshold of humans (approx. 20.000 vibrations/sec.) are described as ultrasonic. Practically all electric toothbrushes are therefore sonic toothbrushes and not ultrasonic toothbrushes even if they are described as such. The cleaning effect of these devices is always based on the mechanical movement of the bristles in combination with the cleaning particles and active ingredients of toothpastes. More recently "genuine" ultrasonic toothbrushes have become available, which clean according to the different principle (already in use for many years for removing calculus) of cavitation (production of minute air bubbles; pressure peaks are produced during their destruction).

Selectable "cleaning programmes" and a range of different-shaped brush heads are intended to cater for the different requirements of the various groups of users (e.g. with stubborn plaque build-up, discoloration, fixed restorations or orthodontic appliances).

According to independent studies, the efficiency of electric toothbrushes (in particular for plaque reduction, but also for preventing and combating gingivitis, discoloration etc.) is not generally better than that of manual toothbrushes. However, the results of some, more recent studies have indicated that they are slightly superior for certain movement patterns (e.g. oscillating-rotating).

Some modern devices also have timers or displays, intended to improve cleaning motivation and perseverance ("compliance") or warn about excessive cleaning pressure (exerted on the brush).