Electric toothbrush

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Electric Toothbrush

An Electric Toothbrush is a type of toothbrush that is powered by electricity to move the brush head, providing superior plaque removal compared to a manual toothbrush.

History[edit | edit source]

The first electric toothbrush, the Broxodent, was developed in Switzerland in 1954 by Dr. Philippe-Guy Woog. These early models were bulky and needed to be plugged into a wall outlet. Modern electric toothbrushes are powered by rechargeable batteries and are much more compact and efficient.

Types of Electric Toothbrushes[edit | edit source]

There are two main types of electric toothbrushes: oscillating and sonic.

  • Oscillating Toothbrushes - These toothbrushes have small, round heads that rotate back and forth at a rate of 2,500 to 7,500 strokes per minute. Some models also pulsate to help break up plaque.
  • Sonic Toothbrushes - Sonic toothbrushes vibrate at a much higher frequency, up to 30,000 to 40,000 strokes per minute. This creates a fluid dynamic cleaning action that helps to clean areas beyond where the bristles actually touch.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes[edit | edit source]

Electric toothbrushes have several benefits over manual toothbrushes, including:

  • More effective at removing plaque and reducing gingivitis
  • Built-in timers to ensure adequate brushing time
  • Less waste, as only the brush head needs to be replaced

Drawbacks of Electric Toothbrushes[edit | edit source]

Despite their benefits, electric toothbrushes also have some drawbacks:

  • More expensive than manual toothbrushes
  • Need to be charged or have batteries replaced
  • Not as portable as manual toothbrushes

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

While electric toothbrushes can provide superior cleaning, the best toothbrush is the one that is used properly and regularly. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective when used correctly.


Electric toothbrush Resources

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