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    • Philips Sonicare Fo
    1. Dental Hygiene
    2. Clinical Hygiene

    New technologies in power toothbrushing

    Sept. 6, 2013
    For a long time, toothbrushing has been viewed as a basic method for reducing plaque biofilm with the modern version of power toothbrushes having been introduced in the early 1960s. Rebecca Wilder, RDH, MS, provides an update on some new technologies of power toothbrushing.
    Each year we are learning more about periodontal disease and the detrimental effects both locally and to distance sites in the body. Plaque biofilm is a known culprit for the etiology of periodontal diseases. With as many as 1,000 bacterial species inhabiting the oral cavity, one can see why it is so important to stress methodical and thorough oral hygiene measures to our patients.(1) Toothbrushing has been advocated for centuries as a basic method of reducing plaque biofilm.(2) The first electric toothbrush was marketed in the United States in 1885 but the modern version that we now know as “power brushes" was introduced in the early 1960s.(2) The most popular powered brushes utilize either the rotating-oscillating method or sonic technology. With the rotating-oscillating brushes, the entire brush head rotates in one direction and then the other and also pulsates in and out. The sonic method has bristles that move with high amplitude and high frequency and sound waves cause fluid motion. Power brushes have been shown to be equivalent to manual toothbrushes in biofilm removal and reduction of gingivitis.(3) In addition, the safety of power brushes has been well-established as compared to manual brushes.(4) As an added benefit, newer technologies incorporate timed brushing encouraging patients to brush longer.
    Philips Sonicare Fo
    Graphic Sonicare Flexcare Fo

    In 2013, Philips Sonicare introduced its latest model of the sonic power toothbrush. The Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum power toothbrush has several features that can assist patients in effectively removing plaque biofilm on the smooth and interproximal surfaces. Thorough interproximal biofilm removal will still be needed with dental floss or other interdental cleaning products but the brush greatly enhances overall biofilm removal by the patient.

    Following are some of the features available with this new brush:

    • The brush comes with the new InterCare brush head that has longer bristles for enhanced interproximal cleaning.
    • Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum power toothbrush is a pressure sensor built into the handle (no external components) that gently resonates to alert the patient when too much pressure is applied.
    • The brush features the Quadpacer and Smartimer to assist patients in brushing longer and completely.
    • When fully charged, the battery lasts for 3 weeks. In addition, the brush comes with a travel case making it easy to pack.
    • The brush has 3 settings (Clean, White and Gum Care) and 3 intensity levels (Low, Medium and High). This combination allows the patient to customize 9 different modes of operation including adjusting the settings for patients who have sensitivity issues. In addition, the settings can be changed or adjusted while the patient is brushing.
    • The InterCare brushhead is designed with both long and short bristles such that the longer bristles provide enhanced interproximal biofilm removal while the shorter bristles remove biofilm along the gingival margin. When the brush head needs to be replaced, the bristles fade in color.
    • Finally, the brush is available with or without the brush head sanitizer.

    Intercare Brush Head Fo
    The Intercare Graphic Fo

    Now more than ever, patients have great choices in products to assist them in meeting their oral hygiene goals. Every dental hygienist should become familiar with the products available to patients so that they are ready to recommend the best product for their patients’ oral health needs.

    References
    1. Socransky SS, Haffajee AD, Cugini MA, et al. Microbial complexes in subgingival plaque. J Clin Periodontol. 1998; 25:134-144.
    2. Barnes CM, Gluck JI, Lyle DM, Jahn CA. Devices for oral self-care. In: Daniel S, Harfst S, Wilder R, eds. Mosby’s Dental Hygiene: Concepts, Cases and Competencies. Second Edition. St. Louis: Elsevier, 2008. pps. 448-454.
    3. Raposa KA, Ray TS. Oral infection control: Toothbrushes and toothbrushing. In Wilkins E., eds. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. Tenth Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009. pps. 418-419.
    4. Sharma NC, Qaqish JG, He T, Walters PA, Grender JM, Biesbrock AR. Plaque and gingivitis reduction efficacy of an advanced pulsonic toothbrush: a 4-week randomized and controlled clinical trial. Am J Dent. 2010 Dec; 23(6):305-10.

    Rebecca Wilder Fo
    Rebecca S. Wilder, RDH, MS, is a Professor and Director of Graduate Dental Hygiene Education at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. She is also the Director of Faculty Development for the dental school. Rebecca speaks nationally and internationally in the areas of risk and practice management, oral-systemic disease, oral care products and trends in periodontology. She may be reached at [email protected]. To read more about toothbrushing and dental hygiene, click here and here.