An in vitro evaluation of electric toothbrushes

Quintessence Int. 1995 Dec;26(12):841-8.

Abstract

Four commercially available electric toothbrushes (Sonicare, Braun Electric Toothbrush, Interplak, and Blend-a-Dent) were assessed both for their operating characteristics and their ability to remove a "food debris" medium. The Sonicare and Blend-a-Dent have a lateral vibratory action, while the Interplak and Braun produce a rotary movement of the brush head. The vibratory action of the Sonicare was susceptible to loading. All devices produced both stable-pulsating cavitation and acoustic microstreaming that was demonstrated in vitro using a suspension of particles in water. Their effectiveness in removing a food debris medium was assessed with and without water. Three of the brushes (Sonicare, Braun, and Blend-a-Dent) were similar in their ability to remove the plaque, and all were superior to the Interplak; its streaming forces removed no food debris. The results indicated that the Blend-a-Dent was the most effective brush design in vitro, although the differences between Blend-a-Dent and Sonicare were not statistically significant.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dental Plaque / therapy
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Food
  • Physical Phenomena
  • Physics
  • Rotation
  • Toothbrushing / instrumentation*
  • Vibration