POWERED TOOTH BRUSHING

Electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrush

 

 

Preamble

Powered tooth brushing refers to brushing the teeth with a toothbrush that utilizes electric power usually supplied by battery to function.

There has been a significant improvement in oral health care in Nigeria in the last century with emphasis on the use of tooth brushing to achieve clean and healthy teeth. And since we are in the age of technology, it is safe to say that the advent of powered toothbrushes has played some role in aiding this improvement. Individuals want an easy and convenient way of brushing leading to cleaner teeth with minimal plaque build-up hence prefer these types of brushes to the conventional ones. However, it is imperative to arm oneself with the necessary information before you buy that powered toothbrush. Individual dispositions, dentition and preference to type of technologies may determine that one type is more appealing than the others.

 History

Since 1960, when the first Powered toothbrush was produced, the past few decades has witnessed an improvement from the Electric toothbrush which uses electric power supplied usually by a battery to the more advanced sonic toothbrushes which emits ultrasonic waves at a minimum frequency of 20,000hertz or 2,400,000 movements per minutes! Cool right?

Effectiveness of Toothbrushes

The key to proper tooth brushing lies in not just in the type of toothbrush being used (whether manual or powered) but also in the technique of tooth brushing, including the amount of time spent. While, no evidenced-based studies have shown the use of powered toothbrushes to be superior or inferior to the manual tooth brushes, some show that most powered toothbrushes are no more effective than the manual ones -assuming that patients using a manual toothbrush will brush effectively. And of course, no matter what type of brush you use, it still does not rule out the importance of brushing at least twice a day, cleaning your teeth with a Dental Floss and seeing your dentist every 6 months. There are different kinds of techniques that can be used for tooth brushing. Visit your dentist to find out the one that best suits you.
How it works

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Category of people that require powered tooth brushing

Powered toothbrush can be used by all and sundry however this group of people requires its use for optimal cleansing and oral health.

1. Powered toothbrushes are good for kids. As a parent, you can stimulate an early awareness in maintain a good oral hygiene as well as motivate a good habit of tooth brushing as your child grows. Children love it especially as most of them come in different cartoon heads and bright beautiful colours.

2. It may also be very useful for Geriatrics (Elderly).

3. Patients with poor manual dexterity e.g. patients suffering from arthritis and the physically challenged for requires it for better handling and control resulting in cleaner teeth and healthier gingivae.

Advantages of powered tooth brushing

1. Has superior interdental cleaning over the manual toothbrushes.

2. Cleans the teeth in a shorter time than manual toothbrushes.

3. Associated with improved gingival health.

Disadvantages of powered tooth brushing

Just like the manual tooth brushes, the bristles also lose its effectiveness over time due to bristle wear so you will have to change your brush every three months or as soon as you notice the bristle wear.

They are also quite expensive in contrast to the manual ones.

Conclusion

When next you consider buying that powered tooth brush, know that it’s not about its nifty preference but about how you really use it to achieve the end result- cleaner teeth and healthier gums. 

Author: Dr. Lawrence Osu