The Sonic Toothbrush Revolution

June 6, 2022

One of the most common items we buy and use are toothbrushes. It may not be on the forefront of your mind that often, but it should be. One walk down the toothbrush aisle at any store is enough to throw anyone into a state of confusion. There are SO MANY choices, it is quite overwhelming. Electric and sonic toothbrushes have been making their way up the ranks in popularity for a while now. The first electric toothbrush was invented in Sweden in 1939 but it wasn’t until 1959 that electric toothbrushes were available for purchase in the United States.

A specialty toothbrush isn’t a novelty, it’s an important tool for your health. What is all the fuss about these “magic” toothbrushes that do all the work for you? It’s an interesting look into why and what a motorized toothbrush can do for you!

Sonic Toothbrush Vs. Electric Toothbrush: What’s The Difference?

Sonic and electric toothbrushes both have brush heads that move, making it effective in the pursuit to remove plaque from the teeth. They both have an oscillating or vibrating brush head, basically brushing your teeth for you, only needing your guidance to move it around your mouth. They both have numerous similarities and just as many differences. Let’s take a look at some comparisons.

Rotate and Vibrate – Electric toothbrushes have a head that rotates on average 2,500 to 7,500 strokes in a minute. Sonic toothbrushes vibrate at a much faster pace, giving you around 30,000 strokes in a minute.
Sonic toothbrushes offer an extra kind of cleaning that’s called fluid dynamics. The sonic pulse technology created by the brush pushes toothpaste and fluids between your gums and teeth, giving it another powerful cleaning ability. Electric toothbrushes clean back and forth in a rotating motion, removing plaque in a powerful way, but they don’t provide any other additional cleaning prospects.
The biggest difference between electric and sonic toothbrushes comes down to speed in brushing and the coverage area.

Things In Common

Electric and sonic toothbrushes have differences that we have pointed out, but they also have some similarities. They both improve the quality of your brushing because they provide a more powerful cleaning than a manual toothbrush and they make brushing easier and more effective.

Some electric and sonic toothbrushes also have great features that provide excellent benefits for the user.

Some models provide options for tongue cleaning, whitening, deep cleaning, and options for those with sensitive teeth.
Some contain special sensors that will notify you if you are brushing too hard
30 second pulse or alarm sounds to let you know it’s time to switch to a different area of your mouth.
Some brushes will shut off after 2 minutes. 2 minutes is the regular amount of time to be able to brush your entire mouth properly.

Adult Sonic Brushes

Now that you have an introduction to sonic toothbrushes, time to decide which one to try. Cost is always an important factor in any buying decision. You can expect to pay as little as $20 and as much as $200 on a sonic, depending on the brand and the brush you choose. I recommend the Brilliant Lumi Travel Sonic Toothbrush by Brilliant Oral Care. Whether you are at home or on the go, the Brilliant Lumi brush will give you the best clean possible. It’s round brush head paired with the sonic motor ensures your mouth will be cleaner and healthier because this brush “can’t miss!”

Kids Sonic Brushes

Is there such a thing as a sonic toothbrush for kids? You bet there is! Sonic brushes are GREAT for kids. The two minute timer teaches them how long to brush their teeth and the 30 second alerts let them know when to switch to different parts of their mouth. For kids, I recommend the Brilliant Kids Sonic Toothbrush. You can get the regular brush BUT, Brilliant also offers 3 ADORABLE character brushes that kids love!! These kids’ sonic brushes have a bright LED light that allows them, and you, to see in their mouth while they brush. They love the characters, the lights, and the sonic motor and you will love how healthy their teeth, mouth, and gums will be. The character brushes come in Penguin, Duck, and new for big kids, the Dinosaur!! Brushing is so important, why not make it fun for them as well!

*Some have asked about baby sonic toothbrushes or a baby electric toothbrush: there are no sonic or electric brushes for babies because they are too young and their mouths too small and sensitive for sonic technology. It’s not recommended that kids use a sonic brush until age 3 and check with your dentist before purchasing one just to get their professional opinion.

Brush Well!

As your interest has been piqued into sonic toothbrushes, you are always encouraged to do your research on which brush is best for you and your oral health. As always, your dentist should be your FIRST place for knowledge, education and questions. Technology is the ever-changing, ever-evolving medium and it’s exciting to see it improve the way we take care of our health and our bodies. Good oral health is key and essential to a healthy body and a healthy life, at any age. From the youngest to the oldest, taking care of our teeth should always be a priority. Brush well!!

This article is intended to provide an understanding of and knowledge about “health topics” as expressed through the perspective and research of the author. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or counsel, including the diagnosis or treatment of any condition. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, illness or treatment of any listed or non listed situation above. By using this site, you signify your assent to our Terms and Conditions.

Sources:

https://www.padental.org/Online/Public/Children/Invention%20of%20Toothbrush.aspx#:~:text=1939,toothbrush%20was%20invented%20in%20Switzerland.

https://www.bluebackdental.com/electric-toothbrush-vs-sonic-toothbrush-which-is-best

https://www.ordolife.com/blogs/ordo-life/rotating-oscillating-electric-toothbrush-vs-sonic-toothbrush