The use of an ultrasonic toothbrush for dental care at home is becoming increasingly popular. This is because ultrasound is considered a gentle yet effective cleaning method and has long been used in dental offices. What exactly is an ultrasonic toothbrush? How does it work? And what are the health and medical benefits of an ultrasonic toothbrush?
What is an ultrasonic toothbrush?
Simply by the power of the ultrasonic waves generated, an ultrasonic toothbrush eliminates plaque and bacteria. An ultrasonic toothbrush is a toothbrush that generates vibrations of up to 1.8 MHz per second, thus cleaning with the help of ultrasound. Compared to conventional manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes, the ultrasonic toothbrush does not require any mechanical movement. Only through the power of the generated ultrasonic waves, plaque and bacteria are eliminated. The ultrasonic toothbrush uses a special toothpaste without additional cleaning agents. Due to the high vibration frequencies, the toothpaste forms small bubbles that burst and thus clean the teeth. Due to its special technology, an ultrasonic toothbrush is very thorough and yet extremely gentle. Its action continues deep into the gums without irritating them. Because of your gentle and effective cleaning method, dentists especially recommend the use of an ultrasonic toothbrush to those patients who suffer from periodontitis or have recently had an implant placed.
Shapes, types and styles
Visually, an ultrasonic toothbrush resembles an electric toothbrush. Similar to them, the ultrasonic toothbrush is charged in a station. The brush heads of the ultrasonic toothbrush are also interchangeable and can be replaced after three months of use. However, unlike a conventional electric toothbrush, the brush attachment is not used for brushing, but is simply held on the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth for a few seconds. This is possible due to the high vibration frequency of the ultrasonic toothbrush, which also exceeds the frequency of a sonic toothbrush many times over. Ultrasonic toothbrushes are more expensive compared to electric and sonic toothbrushes and also differ among themselves. Thus, in addition to simple models, there are ultrasonic toothbrushes that have different stages with a different number of vibrations. With such an ultrasonic toothbrush, even more effective and customized cleaning is possible.
Structure, function and use
Since the ultrasonic toothbrush works with ultrasound and is not used mechanically, it basically does not need bristles. Nevertheless, most ultrasonic toothbrushes, because of the familiar sight, are equipped with a brush head. When using the ultrasonic toothbrush, a special toothpaste is necessary. This is first applied to the inner and outer sides of the tooth surface. The device is then switched on at the touch of a button and its brush head is held against each tooth for a few seconds. Brushing movements, as known from a manual toothbrush, are unnecessary with an ultrasonic toothbrush and should even be avoided. The ultrasonic waves cause the toothpaste to create bubbles that eventually burst, thereby cleaning the teeth. In addition, the ultrasonic waves penetrate up to twelve millimeters into the gums and thus also remove bacteria that have become deeply embedded. The same applies to the spaces between the teeth, which are thoroughly cleaned with an ultrasonic toothbrush.
Medical and health benefits
The use of an ultrasonic toothbrush is absolutely harmless to health and brings great medical benefits. For example, the modern technology of the ultrasonic toothbrush provides better care and cleaning performance than is possible with conventional toothbrushes. Due to this effective and at the same time gentle ultrasonic technology, not only plaque and bacteria are thoroughly removed, but also the gums are spared. With an ultrasonic toothbrush, brushing movements become unnecessary, so that no mistakes can be made when brushing. Gums are not irritated by rubbing bristles, and bleeding gums are less likely to occur. Since the sound waves also penetrate deep into the interdental spaces, the use of dental floss is unnecessary in many cases when using an ultrasonic toothbrush.From a dental point of view, an ultrasonic toothbrush thus fulfills a prophylactic purpose on the one hand, in that more harmful and caries-causing bacteria are removed by this modern technology. On the other hand, the ultrasonic toothbrush is good for the gums, protects them and thus prevents a decline of the gums and thus in the long term also the loss of teeth. For these reasons, the use of an ultrasonic toothbrush is recommended by many dentists.