The Reverie
Sonic Toothbrush: How It Works, Why It’s Better, and How to Use It
Fast Facts About Sonic Toothbrushes: A sonic toothbrush delivers up to 15x more brush strokes per minute than a standard electric toothbrush Sonic toothbrushes can be better at removing plaque and reducing gingivitis Sonic toothbrushes are easier to use than manual and standard electric toothbrushes About 41% of adults opt for an electric toothbrush over a manual one—and for good reason. They’re easier to use and research proves they’re better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease, primarily because they include 2-minute timers to ensure adequate brushing time. However, there’s a special type of electric toothbrush that blows the competition out of the water: a sonic electric toothbrush. Between ultra-fast brush strokes and built-in timers, a sonic toothbrush is an easy, efficient way to supercharge your oral care routine. Keep reading to learn the science behind sonic toothbrushes, how to use them, and why they’re a dentist’s delight. What Is a Sonic Toothbrush? A sonic toothbrush is a type of electric toothbrush that uses sonic waves to vibrate the bristles. Powered by battery, sonic toothbrushes produce up to or beyond 30,000 brush strokes per minute, much more than the standard electric toothbrush. The high-speed vibrations from a sonic toothbrush stimulate saliva production and agitate the toothpaste and water in your mouth. This turns the fluids into an active cleaning agent that reaches below your gum line and gets into hard-to-reach areas that bristles can’t reach. In addition to sonic wave technology, sonic toothbrushes include snazzy features like timers, pressure sensors, and multiple cleaning modes. Curious how sonic toothbrushes stack up to other types? Let’s take a look. Sonic Toothbrush vs. Electric Toothbrush: What’s the Difference? The main difference between a standard electric and a sonic toothbrush is brushing power. A standard electric toothbrush averages between 2,500 and 7,000 brush strokes per minute, but a sonic toothbrush delivers up to and beyond 30,000 brush strokes per minute. The increased brushing power of a sonic toothbrush makes it easier to remove plaque and debris between your teeth and along your gum line. Think of it like using a power washer instead of a garden hose. Another key difference is how the brush head moves. The brush head on a normal electric toothbrush spins in an oscillating motion as it cleans. On the other hand, the bristles on a sonic toothbrush vibrate at a high frequency to break up stubborn plaque. Just so we’re on the same page—all sonic toothbrushes are electric, but not all electric toothbrushes are sonic. Is a Sonic Toothbrush Better than an Electric Toothbrush? A sonic toothbrush gives you three key advantages over a standard electric toothbrush: Easier to use: Since the bristles move exponentially faster, you don’t have to work nearly as hard to get rid of pesky plaque and buildup between your teeth. More cleaning power: The bristles on a sonic toothbrush move 15x faster than a regular electric one Advanced features: Most sonic toothbrushes have timers, multiple cleaning modes, and ergonomic handles. Sonic and standard electric toothbrushes are both better options than manual toothbrushes, primarily because they remind you how long to brush. But the sonic technology gives you an undeniable edge. Sonic Toothbrush vs. Manual Toothbrush Decades of research have shown that sonic toothbrushes are more effective at controlling plaque buildup and periodontal disease. A 2017 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry concluded that sonic-powered toothbrushes decreased plaque and gingivitis significantly more effectively than manual toothbrushes when used every day. These results can be credited to the crazy difference in brushing power. A manual toothbrush only moves as fast as your hand can, which for most people is about 300 strokes per minute. Compare that to a sonic brush, which generates 30,000 strokes per minute—that’s 100 times more powerful. How to Use a Sonic Toothbrush A sonic toothbrush is super easy to use. Here are a few pro tips from our resident oral surgeon, Dr. Jaclyn Tomsic (Dr. Jacci). Wet the bristles and apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste Place the brush against your teeth and press the power button to start. Gently guide the toothbrush across your teeth. “You don’t have to do the aggressive up and down brushing motion we’re all accustomed to doing,” explains Dr. Jacci. “Instead, glide the toothbrush along your teeth and let the bristles do the work.” Brush each of the four quadrants of your teeth for 30 seconds (two minutes total). After two minutes, the toothbrush will automatically turn off. Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use, always brush at least twice a day. Dr. Jacci also notes that you still need to floss daily—even if you use a sonic toothbrush. Brush Better with a Bamboo Sonic Toothbrush Sonic toothbrushes have been around for decades, but we designed one that’s better for your oral health—and the planet’s health. Our Bamboo Sonic Toothbrush is made with natural bamboo brush heads and 100% plant-based, soft bristles. We didn’t let natural materials get in the way of performance, though. Here’s a rundown of the key features: Microvibrations up to 31,000 strokes per minute 2-minute timer with 30-second interval pulses 5 modes: cleaning, whitening, polishing, milder, and sensitive Long-lasting rechargeable battery Waterproof Women’s Health named our Bamboo Sonic Toothbrush one of the best electric toothbrushes of 2023, and Dr. Jacci backs up that recognition. "It has all of my must-haves—a timer and soft, plant-based bristles," says Dr. Jacci. "And the bamboo brush heads reduce plastic, making it a more sustainable choice." Head over here to subscribe and save 20%!
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Bone Loss in Teeth: An Oral Surgeon Explains the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Dental bone loss can affect people of all ages, even if you have perfectly healthy teeth. Dr. Jacci has some tips to help you avoid it.
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Dr. Jacci’s Guide to The Best Vitamins for Oral Wellness
We all know that vitamins are crucial for our whole body health. But do you know what key micronutrients do for your oral health? Our resident expert, Dr. Jacci, explains.
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Should You Avoid Fluoride In Toothpaste? 3 Factors to Consider
Fluoride has been fighting cavities since the 50s, but it's shining reputation just took a sharp turn.
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Bad Breath? A Zinc Deficiency Might Be to Blame
Before you reach for the mints, ask yourself if you're getting enough zinc.
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Posture and Your Oral Health
Slumping over your desk isn't just bad for your back and neck: it can affect your oral health, too.
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Enamel Hypoplasia: How to Spot the Symptoms (and Treat Them)
Tooth enamel is one of the most impressive parts of the human body. Despite being paper thin, it’s stronger than steel and lets you chew, bite, and crunch without hurting your pearly whites. But sometimes there’s a glitch in the body’s system that makes enamel weaker than normal. This is called enamel hypoplasia: a conditionthat denotes thin or absent tooth enamel. Your body can’t create or repair enamel on its own, so if you notice any changes in color or sensitivity, it’s important to see a dentist ASAP to protect your teeth. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of enamel hypoplasia, treatment options, and what type of toothpaste is best to combat it. What Is Enamel Hypoplasia? Enamel hypoplasia is a dental defect characterized by weak or insufficient tooth enamel. It usually affects baby teeth during childhood, but it can also affect permanent teeth during adulthood. The common signs are pits, grooves, and white spots on the outer surface of the teeth. It can also make the affected teeth unusually small and prone to decay. Researchers have found at least 14 types of enamel hypoplasia. But before we dive into the details, let’s do a quick primer on enamel. Dental enamel is the thin, clear, hard layer on the crown of your teeth. Enamel consists mostly of mineral compounds and protects dentin, the yellowish tissue that makes up the bulk of your teeth. Enamel formation begins during infancy when ameloblasts produce enamel matrix which mineralizes into tooth enamel. However, certain factors can interfere with enamel development, leading to enamel hypoplasia. (“Hypo” means less than normal and “plasia” means formation or growth.) Many cases of enamel hypoplasia are genetic, but it can also stem from environmental factors like nutrient deficiencies (more on this later). Enamel Hypoplasia Symptoms Many symptoms of enamel hypoplasia are noticeable, but others are easily overlooked until they cause bigger oral health problems. Here are the most common signs of hypoplastic teeth: Tiny grooves, pits, or lesions on the outer surface of the tooth White spots on the surface of the teeth (usually on the central incisors) Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold Yellow or brown tooth discoloration Frequent dental caries (AKA cavities) Tooth decay or tooth loss What Causes Enamel Hypoplasia? The primary cause of enamel hypoplasia is genetics. However, it can also be caused by environmental factors such as malnutrition, trauma, or infections. Let’s break down both types of enamel hypoplasia and their causes. Genetics Hereditary enamel hypoplasia is a developmental defect that disrupts enamel formation during early tooth development. Certain gene mutations can inhibit matrix formation, resulting in thin, soft, or weak enamel. This type of enamel defect (also called amelogenesis imperfecta) is rare, affecting about 1 in 14,000 people in the US according to the National Library of Medicine. Hereditary enamel hypoplasia might only affect one tooth, but in severe cases, multiple teeth can be affected. Environmental Factors Enamel hypoplasia can also be caused by a variety of external factors, from injuries to micronutrient deficiencies: Tooth injuries Viral or bacterial infections Calcium deficiency Vitamin A deficiency Vitamin C deficiency Vitamin D deficiency Fluorosis (too much fluoride) Low birth weight Treatment Options for Enamel Hypoplasia Since enamel can’t repair itself, early treatment for enamel hypoplasia is crucial to prevent serious damage. Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and how many teeth are affected, but here are some common approaches: Resin-based composite fillings: these are made to match your natural tooth color, making them ideal for front teeth Resin-bonded sealants: these add a protective barrier over permanent molars Amalgam fillings: metal-based fillings that are typically reserved for permanent molars Dental crowns: caps that cover the entire tooth Professional teeth whitening: this can improve the esthetic appearance of discolored teeth Can You Prevent Enamel Hypoplasia? Hereditary enamel hypoplasia can’t be prevented. That said, there are several ways to reverse the condition’s progression. You should always ask your dentist for personalized tips, but here are the basics: For children, schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist ASAP Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks Practice good oral hygiene: brush twice daily, floss once daily Go in for dental checkups twice a year Take vitamin A, C, and D supplements to fill any nutritional gaps (pro tip: you can brush with vitamins to cover two habits at once) Protect Your Teeth Every Time You Brush For 70+ years, fluoride has been the go-to ingredient for protecting teeth. But we decided oral care was overdue for an upgrade, so we made Fortify: our remineralizing hydroxyapatite toothpaste. That’s a mouthful (pun totally intended) but here’s the gist: hydroxyapatite is a naturally-occurring mineral that protects and strengthens teeth from the inside out—without the toxic effect of fluoride. Fortify is like a coat of armor you put on your pearly whites every time you brush. Don’t take our word for it, though—GQ named Fortify the best toothpaste of 2022. Want to learn more? Check out our ultimate guide to hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
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What Is the Oral Microbiome? A Doctor Breaks It Down
Did you know you have good bacteria in your mouth? Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Jacci explains all there is to know about the oral microbiome.
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5 Dental Floss Alternatives: Say Goodbye to String
If you feel overdue for an upgrade to your flossing routine, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore four alternatives for floss and how they stack up to string.
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