Elektrische Zahnbürsten: Rotation oder Vibration?

An 11-year observational study by the University of Greifswald, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, shows that long-term use of electric toothbrushes slows the progression of periodontal disease and helps prevent tooth loss.

In principle, this is nothing new, as electric toothbrushes have long been considered more effective compared to manual toothbrushes. However, the new scientific confirmation could persuade one or two passionate manual toothbrush users to switch to an electric toothbrush - but which model is recommended? On the one hand, there are those that rotate and, on the other, those that vibrate. There are also extras, such as a pressure control or a timer.

The brush heads of oscillating-rotating toothbrushes are round, they oscillate sideways with several thousand movements per minute and also rotate back and forth at an angle of 50 to 70 degrees. Some models also have pulsating movements, which are designed to loosen plaque more easily. Sonic toothbrushes have elongated brush heads that clean teeth with 13,000 to 40,000 vibrating movements per minute. The frequency is on average 250 hertz.

In addition, there are ultrasonic toothbrushes that vibrate in a much higher frequency range. However, this technology is still very expensive, so it plays only a minor role in the consumer sector.

Electric toothbrush: How to make the right choice

According to Stiftung Warentest, there is little difference in terms of cleaning performance between the two technologies - oscillating-rotating and vibrating. Switchers who want to find the right model for them should therefore take a closer look at the respective cleaning technique.

With a rotating brush, each tooth should be brushed individually for a few seconds. The same applies to the spaces between the teeth. Those who are fans of brushing their teeth quickly are therefore probably better off with a sonic brush, because several teeth can be brushed at the same time.

The principle of oscillating-rotating brushes is based on a technique used in professional teeth cleaning. Used correctly, you can achieve really good brushing results with these brushes. However, the sonic brush is more forgiving of carelessness and brushing mistakes. Therefore, this one might be the better choice. Another advantage is that the sonic toothbrush can be used like the manual toothbrush. Here, it is recommended to brush at a 45 degree angle, with slight jogging movements towards the gums. You do the same with the electric sonic toothbrush, although the shaking is taken away from you. So if you switch from a manual toothbrush to a sonic toothbrush, you don't have to make any major changes.

Helpful extras for the electric toothbrush

If your dentist has ever advised you that you brush with too much pressure, an electric toothbrush with pressure control is recommended. The brush will respond by buzzing or flashing if you press too hard.

Although electric toothbrushes are more forgiving of brushing mistakes than manual toothbrushes, much of the brushing success still depends on you. Good results will not be achieved if you only wipe your teeth briefly once. You should also brush electrically for at least two minutes, and integrated timers are helpful for impatient people. Unfortunately, even with electric toothbrushes, the interdental spaces cannot be cleaned perfectly. Therefore, use additional dental floss or interdental brushes.