LinkTastic Online Shopping - Buyers Guide For Electrical Dental Care
There has been a great interest in electrical oral care over recent years. Technical advances have meant that power assisted plaque removal brushes produce increased performance and results.
Highly recommended by the dental profession the need for their superior results mean that they are now a permanent fixture in the world of oral hygiene. Estimates show that British teeth are still in a bad way - by the time they reach 35 three out of four Britons are suffering from a form of gum disease, which could have been prevented. Electrical oral care has a solid future and is the best way forward in caring for your teeth and gums.
What is Plaque?
Consisting of saliva, bacteria and particles of food, this thin yellow film forms daily and sticks to teeth and gums, often below the gum line. It is the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. To maintain oral health it is essential to remove plaque daily.
Manual Or Electric?
Electrical manufacturers claim their products are clinically proven to be superior to manual toothbrushes when it comes to reducing plaque, staining and gum diseases such as gingivitis. Although there have been advances in shaped and angled heads on manual toothbrushes, it is really the movement provided by electric toothbrushes which marks their performance.
Power Sources
- Battery Powered:- These formed the basis of the electrical oral care market at one time, but have been all but replaced by the more expensive rechargeable models. Battery powered models do not offer the same performance levels as the rechargeable models as the user may not always recognise when the batteries need replacing to maintain the optimum power level.
- Rechargeable:- These also contain batteries, but they are rechargeable and do not need to be replaced. Average brushing time from a full charge varies, but it is usually between 25 and 35 minutes. This equates to about 10 days worth of brushing. Recharging the batteries usually takes about 16 hours and some models are "overcharge" protected.
ELECTRICAL DENTAL CARE - PRODUCT TYPES
The electrical dental care market has developed to provide products offering different functions. Within each section there tend to be basic and premium-grade models, and they are generally rechargeable.
- Plaque removers
- Interdental plaque removers
- Water jets/irrigators
- Dental / oral centres
- Plaque Removers
This is the recognised term for electric toothbrushes. These are used for daily tooth and gum care and usually feature a brush with a small cup-shaped head. This works on one tooth at t time, providing thorough cleaning.
Intertendal Plaque Removers
Intertendal plaque removers are used to remove plaque from the spaces between teeth, or "interdental" spaces, where most gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis originate. That is one reason why dentists recommend flossing regularly, and products like interdental plaque removers offer similar results to cleaning with dental floss. The products feature replaceable tips - some models come with up to 50 - which are pointed horizontally and at a 90 degree angle to the interdental space. When the product is switched on, the filament in the tip moves into the interdental space and cleans it.
Water Jets / Irrigators
These should be used in conjunction with plaque removers. Water jets or irrigators use jets of water between the teeth to wash away food debris and plaque that have first been loosened by the plaque remover. Some irrigators use pressured air through the water stream, creating millions of tiny bubbles that attack the plaque.
Dental / Oral Centres
These are units featuring a separate plaque remover and water jet or irrigator.
How Do They Work?
- Movement:- Electric Plaque removers perform their function through high-speed oscillation, where the brush head rotates from side to side. Some models use a combination of brushing movements. Pulsation is used to loosen the plaque and oscillation to push it away. Interdental models utilise an "in and out" movement to remove the plaque from between the teeth.
- Brush Heads:- The main focus in the development of brush heads is to provide superior plaque removal, while protecting the teeth and gums. The trend has been towards compact brush heads, which oscillate at high speeds to remove the plaque more efficiently. Some brush heads also combine central bristles with interdental tips on the outside, and others with different sized rotating tufts of bristles. These then combine to clean between the teeth and below the gum line reducing plaque, polish the surface of the teeth, and stimulate the gums. Many models now offer a built-in indicator allowing the user to monitor when the brush head needs replacing. This usually comprises bristles whose colour fades to half way much the same as the manual toothbrush. It is recommended that heads should be changed at least every three months.
ELECTRICAL DENTAL CARE - ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Timers And Indicators
These are usually found on the more expensive brushes. They are used to set the brushing time, or to show how much battery charge remains. Some models may feature and automatic timer while others can be set to signal after two minutes, which is the brushing time recommended by dentists.
Dual Speeds
Some models offer two speed settings, ideal for those with sensitive gums or teeth or for use after dental work. The lower speed is chosen for gentler brushing.
Charging Bases
These are waterproof and are plugged in using a standard adaptor. Some models also include an area to store brush heads or interdental tips and these removable containers are dishwasher proof. Dental or oral centres usually come with double charging units and some have an extra section for storing mouthwash. Most single and double units can be wall-mounted.
Multi Use
Most models come with at least two brush heads or nozzles, and colour coded rings so that individuals can use the same brush head each time whilst sharing the brushing unit.
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