As the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new.” And there is no better time than right now to revamp your oral health routine by, perhaps, tossing that old standard toothbrush for a sonic toothbrush. But with so many on store shelves, and at various prices, how do you know which one to buy.
Power Toothbrushes: Electric vs Sonic Toothbrushes
There are dozens of electric toothbrush brands available — all of them with their individual features, including re-chargeable batteries, compact design for easy travel, and different bristle options.
The two main types of power toothbrushes are electric and sonic – the difference between the two really comes down to numbers.
- Electric Toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes are powered to replicate the motion of your hand – doing the muscle work for you. The bristles on these toothbrushes either rotate or move back and forth to help remove plaque.
- Sonic Toothbrushes: Sonic toothbrushes rotate in a back and forth vibrating motion, offering 30,000 to 40,000 strokes per minute. The rapid motion is what makes sonic toothbrushes so popular.
With a standard hand-powered toothbrush, people usually get in 300 strokes per minute. So if you brushed your teeth for two-minutes (recommended!), your teeth are hit with 600 strokes – as opposed to the thousands of strokes you might get with the high-tech variety.
Preference and Technique
Does it really matter which type of sonic or electric toothbrush you buy?
Not really. It’s all about preference and technique.
If you have dexterity problems, or need some fun motivation to brush your teeth – then perhaps electric or sonic toothbrushes may be good choice for you. Otherwise, I recommend sticking with standard – inexpensive – toothbrushes with soft bristles.
No matter which toothbrush you choose, aim to brush effectively. Brush twice a day – morning and night – for at least two minutes each time. And always supplement tooth brushing with flossing and bi-annual dental hygiene cleanings.
About THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures, complete dental reconstruction and TMJ/Headache management. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.
