Oscillating-rotating-pulsating toothbrushes – their role in keeping a healthy mouth

Authors: Prof. Jadwiga Banach, Ph. D.; Prof. Teresa Bachanek, Ph. D.; Prof. Anna Kurnatowska, Ph. D.; Prof. Tomasz Konopka, Ph. D.

The efficacy and safety of electric toothbrushes has been discussed over the last years, especially in context of reduction of plaque as the main risk factor of dental caries and periodontal diseases. As there is still lack of knowledge and belief, I would like to present to you the outcomes of experts’ discussion that took place during a meeting held on September 10, 2013 in Warsaw. Discussed topics included clinical efficacy and safety of different electric toothbrushes in comparison to each other and to manual toothbrushes, not only in regards to reduction of plaque, gingival inflammation, periimplantitis or reduction of bacterial flora in gingival pockets, but also the influence on teeth hard tissues.

Basing on the analysis of over 200 publications regarding this topic, participants of the meeting clearly stated that among different types of toothbrushes, the oscillating-rotating-pulsating toothbrushes are the most effective in the elimination of gingival inflammation, both in short-term (up to 3 months) and long-term (over 3 months) research. The differences in the bleeding on probing (BOP) and in the reduction of gingival inflammation (GI), observed in many studies, speak in favor of the oscillating-rotating-pulsating toothbrushes. It was emphasized that, basing on the presented literature in this field, all electric toothbrushes considerably reduce plaque and are safe both for soft and hard tissues. At the same time, the research shows that most of short-term assessments indicate a clear advantage of oscillating-rotating-pulsating toothbrushes over the sonic ones in eliminating supragingival plaque on all tooth surfaces and in the reduction of gingival inflammation.

It is stressed in the literature, that despite a bigger effectivity of oscillating-rotating-pulsating toothbrushes in comparison to manual ones, when it comes to reduction of plaque, no negative complications have been observed in the form of recession, loss of CAL (clinical attachment level) or abrasion. It is attributable to rounded shape of the toothbrush bristles. Sparse research (up till present) also indicate advantageous effects of using electric toothbrushes by patients with implants, and also in the case of patients treated with fixed orthodontic retainers. They seem safe and comfortable, they also favorably influence the reduction of pockets depth and they don’t cause gingival recession.

Mechanical toothbrushes reduce plaque significantly more efficiently in comparison to manual toothbrushes.

The presented results also indicate that electric toothbrushes are safe for dental hard tissues. In comparison to manual toothbrushes, no increased dentin abrasion was stated – in fact, the abrasion was even less prominent than in the case of manual toothbrushes. Thus, basing on the conducted analysis of the literature, we can state that electric toothbrushes, thanks to their properties (reducing plaque and gum inflammation ), are the most important element of a widely-understood prophylaxis and treatment of periodontal diseases and caries.

Moderator:
Renata Górska