The use of electric toothbrushes in adults is highly recommended by dentists. They are known to be superior at lessening plaque accumulation and gum disease compared to a manual toothbrush. However, what about in children? There isn’t much research into whether or not an electric toothbrush is more effective for children. New research has now looked into this topic, with interesting results.
The rise of the electric toothbrush in recent years has led to many adults switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric version. But what about children?
Some have been reluctant to push children towards an electric toothbrush, but recent research suggests that actually, an electric toothbrush can have a very positive impact on the dental health of children [1].
Background
There is an ongoing debate regarding which toothbrush is better – a manual or an electric. Both are popular with adults.
The common consensus among dentists is that an electric toothbrush is superior. Past research shows that an electric toothbrush can lessen the levels of plaque accumulation and gum disease [2].
But some have argued that children should initially use a manual toothbrush, given that it is easier to control. Then, when they reach their teenage years, it has been suggested that then they should switch. However, recent research has disputed this idea.
The dental health of children is very important. Statistics show that over 50% of 5-year-old children have at least one cavity [3]. Therefore, having the equipment to look after their dental health is essential.
The research
The research was carried out by a team from the Hebrew University-Hadassah’s Faculty of Dental Medicine. Their findings have been published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry [1].
The study sought to compare how electric and manual toothbrushes effect plaque and gingivitis levels in young children aged 3-10 [1]. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease.
Researchers followed two groups of 50 children over a four-week period. Half of the children – aged 7-10 – used an Oral-B Kids Oscillating-Rotating electric toothbrush. The second half – aged 3-6 – used a Paro Junior manual toothbrush [1].
The good news is that both groups saw an improvement in their oral health. However, the results showed that electric toothbrushes had a far greater impact on the dental health of children [1].
For those aged 3-6, who used the manual toothbrush, there was a 55.7% reduction in whole mouth plaque [1]. Yet for those aged 7-10 with the electric toothbrush, there was a 94.5% decrease in whole mouth plaque [1].
As mentioned, the researchers also looked at gingivitis. The reduction in those using a manual toothbrush was minimal. However, for those with the electric toothbrush, they saw a reduction of 18.8% in gingivitis [1].
These results demonstrated that the use of an electric toothbrush represents a vast improvement in dental health, especially when compared to a manual toothbrush [1].
Summary
Without doubt, the best news of this study is that both electric and manual toothbrushing benefits children. However, there was a clear disparity between the effectiveness of an electric or manual toothbrush [1].
Therefore, this study suggests that parents should push their children towards using an electric toothbrush from a young age. The parent can play a big role in the dental health of their children.
Professor Avi Zini, who was part of the research team, was pleased with the results [3]. He commented that “young children love to use electric toothbrushes” [3].
Moreover, Zini said that the results showed that “as long as children use their electric toothbrushes according to [the] manufacturer’s instructions, the results should be very beneficial for their oral health” [3].
Overall, this research is promising. It suggests that children should use electric toothbrushes where possible. For those that don’t, there are still some benefits. Yet the benefits can be even more pronounced with an electric toothbrush!
Thinking points…
1) This article features some very useful findings. If you are a parent, it is important that you take this advice on board. You may consider purchasing an electric toothbrush for your child or children, if you haven’t already! Also, if you have any friends or family that have children, you could share this article with them so that they have the knowledge too. It could really help their children’s oral health!
2) Parents have an important role to play in helping their children with their oral health. Supervising their brushing throughout their younger years will aid them with looking after their mouth. Parents can also take their children along to their dental appointments to highlight their importance. Therefore, if you are a parent that is due an appointment, why not book now and take your children with you?
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Davidovich, E., Ccahuana-Vasquez, R. A., Grender, J., Timm, H., Gonen, H., & Zini, A. (2023). A 4-week randomized controlled trial evaluating plaque and gingivitis effects of an electric toothbrush in a paediatric population. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. (Early view). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.13130.
[2] Boyd, R. L., Murray, P., & Robertson, P. B. (1989). Effect of rotary electric toothbrush versus manual toothbrush on periodontal status during orthodontic treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 96 (4): p342-347. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0889-5406(89)90354-5.
[3] Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (2023). Study finds using electric toothbrushes significantly improves children’s dental health. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-11-electric-toothbrushes-significantly-children-dental.html. Last accessed: 17th November 2023.
