Electric toothbrushes or manual?

According to a new study, oscillating-rotating (O-R) electric toothbrushes were significantly more effective than manual brushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis in children.

Published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, the study analysed levels of plaque and gingivitis over four weeks. Participants used either an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush. The trial included children aged three to six whose carers brushed their teeth and seven to 10 who brushed independently.

By the end of the trial, participants using both types of brush saw a reduction in plaque and gingivitis. However, this was much more pronounced in the children using electric toothbrushes.

More than 94% of the seven to 10 age group experienced a greater whole-mouth plaque reduction, with a 108.4% reduction in back-of-mouth plaque.

The difference in the three to six year olds was smaller though still significant. More than half (55.7%) had a greater reduction in plaque throughout the mouth. Again, the largest difference was at the back of the mouth, where researchers noted a 34.3% greater reduction.

Additionally, whole-mouth gingivitis was reduced by 14% in the seven to 10 year olds. The level of gingivitis was 18.8% lower in the back of the mouth.

‘Very beneficial for their oral health’

Studies have suggested that the prevalence of gingivitis in children is as high as 91%. More than half of five year olds have also already reported a first cavity.

Professor Avi Zini, dean of the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, is one of the authors of the study. He said: ‘Young children love to use electric toothbrushes, yet most studies have only focused on whether electric or manual toothbrushes are better for reducing the dental plaque that causes cavities and gingivitis in adults.

‘As long as children use their electric toothbrushes according to manufacturer’s instructions, the results should be very beneficial for their oral health.’