Dentistry and modern science has not been able to find a cure for tooth decay. Tooth decay is the most common disease facing mankind. A disease caused by our bodies reacting to what we eat.
Today’s dental mission statement should not be just reacting to problems; instead the effort should be in curing the disease. Brushing, Fluoride and Sealants only address the existing problem.

Q: What is the history of the tooth brush?

A: Boar bristle brushes used to clean teeth go back to Ancient China. French dentists in the 17th Century brought the idea to Europe. William Addis developed a bone and pig bristle brush in 1780 England, which led to mass produced tooth brushes. DuPont developed nylon bristles in 1938 and soon there was Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush in the U.S.
The practice of daily brushing your teeth came to America after World War II when soldiers returned from the Army where they were ordered to brush their teeth daily. The first electric brush in the U.S. was the Broxodent in 1960. The first rotary brush, the Interplak was introduced in 1987.

Q: What kind of toothbrush should I use?

A: The important considerations are a brush that fits the size and shape of your mouth, which is durable and has soft nylon bristles.

Q: Electric or manual?

A: Electric toothbrushes are not more effective than manual toothbrushes as long as you brush teeth thoroughly for 2 minutes, twice a day.
Electric toothbrushes are battery-operated toothbrushes that clean teeth using a bristle head that moves.

Both types of brushes are effective at cleaning teeth, but people with arthritis and dexterity limitations and others who have difficulty getting proper results with a manual brush, may find electric toothbrushes easier and more effective.

One isn’t better than the other. Each person needs to find what works for them. Children who do not want to brush or have difficulty brushing with a manual brush, an electric brush may be a better alternative. A timer helps insure usage. Children can be one of the biggest beneficiaries of electric toothbrushes because they brush but don’t get all of the food buildup and plaque removed. Those with braces are especially susceptible to this happening. These motor brushes help patients get their mouths as clean as possible.

The American Dental Association states that both manual and electric toothbrushes can be equally effective at fighting plaque and gum disease.
This year, the Oral-B Oscillating-Rotating-Pulsating Power Toothbrushes became the first powered toothbrushes to earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Dental diseases are not completely preventable. No vaccine is available to prevent these common diseases. Without a cure, utilize the modern dental technologies for maximum prevention and limit destruction with early treatment.