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Electric toothbrush: Better than a manual toothbrush?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/electric-toothbrush/AN01705
- With Mayo Clinic prosthodontist
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
Alan B. Carr, D.M.D.
Dr. Alan B. Carr, Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic, is a consultant in the Division of Prosthodontics and a professor of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Carr, a native of Hattiesburg, MS., received his prosthodontics training at Mayo. Following his training he has was an assistant professor at Marquette University and then became a full professor at Ohio State University where his clinical duties included Director of Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the James Cancer Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 2000.
Dr. Carr is board certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. He served in the Air Force and has degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. He also is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. He has made dozens of international and national presentations, and is author of a dental textbook.
His clinical practice focuses on combined prosthodontics and reconstruction of patients with disabling oral conditions. His research interests include oral and craniofacial endosseous implants, tobacco cessation, and the impact of oral health on general health, especially for patients with chronic illness and the elderly.
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Question
Electric toothbrush: Better than a manual toothbrush?
Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush?
Answer
from Alan Carr, D.M.D.
It's possible to brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush — but an electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to a manual toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush well. The bristle movement of an electric toothbrush might even help you remove more plaque from your teeth and improve your gum health.
If you choose to invest in an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is comfortable to hold and easy to use. Your dentist might suggest a model with a rotating-oscillating head. Other specific features — such as adjustable power levels, timers and rechargeable batteries — are up to you.
Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, what's most important is daily brushing and flossing.
Next questionDry mouth treatment: Tips for controlling dry mouth
- Rosema NAM, et al. Comparison of the use of different modes of mechanical oral hygiene in prevention of plaque and gingivitis. Journal of Peridontology. 2008;79:1386.
- Williams K, et al. A study comparing the plaque removal efficacy of an advanced rotation-oscillation power toothbrush to a new sonic toothbrush. The Journal of Clinical Dentistry. 2008;19:154.
- Pizzo G, et al. Plaque removal efficacy of power and manual toothbrushes: A comparative study. Clinical Oral Investigations. 2010;14:375.
- A look at toothbrushes. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2007;138:1288.
- Flossing. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/5625.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed June 2, 2011.
- Robinson P, et al. Manual versus powered toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005:CD002281. http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab002281.html. Accessed June 2, 2011.
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