Sonicare Electric Toothbrushes: Are They for You?

At Great Lakes Dental, we understand that our pateints want to maximize their dental health at home. Many patients ask our team for advice on selecting the best available electric toothbrush, and want to know if investing in a Sonicare toothbrush is something that they should consider. To that end, we are pleased to offer the following information on the Sonicare line, and invite patients to contact our office with any additional questions or concerns.

what makes a sonicare better than a non-powered toothbrush?

The primary advantage of using a Sonicare toothbrush over a traditional toothbrush boils down to simple math. The technology behind Sonicare brushes delivers 31,000 brush strokes per minute. Compare that to the average 300 strokes that you can accomplish with traditional toothbrushing, and it is easy to see why Sonicare delivers a more powerful cleaning experience. Sonicare also removes the need to maneuver the toothbrush across and around teeth; you simply hold the brush steady and slowly move it over each quadrant of your mouth. Most models even have an integrated timer that tells users when to transition to the next area of their mouth. Sonicare is generally more gentle on the gum tissue as well and is great for patients whom have gum recession.

Can sonicare eliminate the need to floss?

Even the most technologically advanced Sonicare toothbrushes do not eliminate the need to regularly floss. However, the rapid vibrations of a Sonicare will force a combination of toothpaste, saliva and water through the spaces between teeth, which is effective at removing a significant amount of plaque and food particles from those hard-to-reach areas. Even so, nothing can replace the effects of manual flossing or using interdental brushes to thoroughly clean the spaces between teeth. So, for patients who don't floss, a Sonicare is likely to help remove buildup from areas that a traditional brush cannot access.

what about gum health?

Another area where Sonicare toothbrushes shine is in regard to gum health. The fast vibrations of these brushes, combined with carefully designed brush heads, provide the proper level of stimulation to gum tissue. That can help prevent gingivitis, and can even help many users reverse minor cases of gingivitis. I is important to note, however, that in order to reap the full benefits of Sonicare brushes, users must avoid putting undue pressure on the teeth and gums. These brushes are designed to do the work for you,so follow the instructions provided with your toothbrush and let the brush do its job.

For more information about the Sonicare Diamond Clean and children's Sonicare toothbrushes call our office or speak with your dental hygienist at your next appointment.