Guide Note

The electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses electricity to move the brush head in a rapid and repetitive pattern.

Fast Facts

1. Invented in 1880
2. First reliable version sold in Switzerland in 1939
3. The Broxodent was the first American-made electric toothbrush created by Squibb Pharmaceutical
4. Popular brands: Oral B, Braun, Sonicare

There is debate about whether or not the electric toothbrush is better for dental hygiene than the manual toothbrush.

A study by scientists from the University of Birmingham, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, and University of Sheffield found that while one type of electric toothbrush removed 7% more plaque, the majority were no more effective at cleaning teeth than the conventional toothbrush. The key factors to proper cleaning were which brush was the most comfortable to use and whether or not the brush was being used properly to reach under the gum line.