Dental Health

What’s the Difference Between a Sonic and an Electric Toothbrush?

February 27, 2021

When it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush, you have options. Two of these options
include traditional electric toothbrushes, which are also called rotary or oscillating
toothbrushes, and sonic toothbrushes. But what’s the difference between these two?

Regular electric toothbrushes have rotating heads that can spin several thousand times per minute, but sonic toothbrushes spin tens of thousands of times per minute, which can give you a cleaner smile in a shorter period of time. But are sonic toothbrushes better because they move at a higher speed? Here are some key points to know!

Sonic May Be Better for Reducing Gum Inflammation

Sonic toothbrushes have been compared to regular electric toothbrushes in research. The results? Sonic toothbrushes were shown to be better at reducing gum inflammation, such as that seen in the early stages of gum disease [1]. Why is this?

Because of their higher speeds, sonic toothbrushes have a superior ability to decrease plaque in the oral cavity. Therefore, sonic toothbrushes may help better remove plaque from areas where it can trigger gum inflammation, such as around the gumline [2].

However, regular electric toothbrushes have also been shown to be beneficial for those with gum disease, especially when compared to manual toothbrushes. Either sonic or regular electric can be smart choices for those who have a history of gum disease.

Both Sonic and Electric Toothbrushes Are Better Than Manual

Most oral health professionals agree that electric toothbrushes in general, including sonic, are better than manual toothbrushes [3]. Electric toothbrushes can better remove plaque which can help reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, making them smart investments.

If you have a history of oral health problems, you may be wondering if sonic and traditional electric toothbrushes are right for you. Both sonic and electric toothbrushes have been shown to be well-tolerated, meaning they are effective without being damaging to the oral cavity [4].

Which Toothbrush Do You Use?

No matter what toothbrush you use, brushing your teeth is one of the best things you can do to prevent oral health problems. However, if you want to take your oral care to the next level, consider electric toothbrushes, whether a traditional electric or a sonic one. Both can better clean your teeth and gums than a manual toothbrush, giving you your healthiest and brightest smile.

Which kind of toothbrush do you use? Ask your dentist about their recommendations for an electric or sonic toothbrush during your next checkup!