A sonic toothbrush is a type of electric toothbrush that vibrates at high speed to clean teeth and remove plaque. Sonic toothbrushes have been shown to remove more plaque and whiten teeth better than a traditional, manual toothbrush. They are typically much more expensive than a basic tooth brush, however, and even more so than a standard electric toothbrush.
The most common type of sonic toothbrush has a dual-function brush head. It moves back and forth across the teeth, as well as features a separate round part that oscillates. The toothbrush moves back and forth and oscillates at an incredibly high speed of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 brush strokes per minute, whereas a traditional electric toothbrush may only have 4,000 to 7,000 brush strokes per minute.
In addition to scrubbing the teeth at high speed, a sonic toothbrush is able to use the moisture in the mouth to clean between the teeth. The fluid from the saliva is agitated by the speed of the toothbrush, allowing it to create tiny bubbles that are able to clean between the teeth and dislodge plaque on the surface of the teeth. A sonic toothbrush is the first type of toothbrush with this capability. The ability to clean teeth in two ways, with the bristles and with the force from the agitation of the fluid in the mouth, is what makes this type of sonic electric toothbrush so effective.
Some sonic toothbrushes may feature a number of different modes, such as daily cleaning, deep cleaning, or whitening, just to name a few. Some may also include a flossing feature. In addition, a timer is common; this helps users to determine if they are brushing for the recommended two minutes per session. The timer generally includes a small alarm that will go off when brushing time is complete.
Keep in mind that a sonic toothbrush is often much more expensive initially and over time than a regular toothbrush; this is because it is necessary to continuously buy replacement brush heads and occasionally batteries. Sonic toothbrushes are typically rechargeable, and will rest in a charging base when they are not in use. It is equally important to remember that a sonic toothbrush is not a replacement for good oral hygiene. It is still important to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit a dentist every six months for a regular cleaning, and a thorough check for gum disease or cavities.
