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Which toothbrush is best is an extremely divisive issue, even between dentists. My dentist told me it was best for me to use a manual toothbrush, whereas my mother's dentist believes electric brushes are far better. Research has shown that electric brushes are objectively no better than manual ones. However, it has also shown that having an electric toothbrush can improve the condition of your teeth. Which toothbrush will really give you the best dental health?

Scientific studies have shown that most electric toothbrushes are no better than manual toothbrushes when used in the correct way for the correct amount of time. Electric toothbrushes are divided up into a number of categories based on the action of their head. The categories are: side-to-side; circular; vibrating; rotation oscillation (when the direction of rotation of the brush alternates); and counter oscillation (when some rings of bristles rotate one way and some the other). A UK study by the Cochrane Oral Health group found that only rotation oscillation brushes performed any better than manual brushes when used for the same length of time. People using these brushes had 7% less plaque. Dentists are divided over how significant an effect this would have on someone's dental health. Those using other types of electric toothbrush did not benefit from brushing any more than the users of manual brushes.

However, other evidence has shown that using an electric toothbrush may lead to better dental health. A British study in 2004 found that "people who used an electric toothbrush for one month reduced their plaque levels by 11% compared with those who used manual brushes". The reason for this is that toothbrushes are only effective if used in the correct way for the correct amount of time. Many people simply do not know how to brush correctly with a manual brush. Their brushing technique fails to properly remove plaque and reach all areas of their mouth, and so they do not benefit as much from their brushing. Electric toothbrushes are easier to use correctly. People who have conditions such as arthritis or people with disabilities who have particular movement difficulties particularly benefit from electric brushes.

Electric brushes can also encourage people to brush for the correct length of time. Some have timers which can tell you when you have brushed for two minutes, which will encourage you to keep going with brushing until that time. Many people find the prospect of brushing with an electric brush more pleasant, or less like hard work, and so are more likely to brush often and for longer periods of time.

Electric toothbrushes provide clear benefits for people who find it difficult to use a manual brush. However, they are really no more effective than a properly used manual brush. On the other hand, the easier option of an electric brush can encourage regular brushing and so can encourage good dental health. It is not the type of toothbrush that is important, it is the method of use and the regularity of brushing. This is summed up in the advice issued by the Academy of General dentistry, which states that "the best toothbrush for you is the one you will actually use".

Sources:

http://dentistry. about.com/od/dentalfactsfaqs/f /toothbrushes.htm
http://www.cl inicalanswers.nhs.uk/index.cfm ?question=1278
http://news.bbc. co.uk/1/hi/health/2679175.stm
h ttp://users.forthnet.gr/ath/ab yss/Electric-Toothbrushes.htm
h ttp://ask.yahoo.com/20070430.h tml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik i/Electric_toothbrush

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