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Electric toothbrush

An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses electric power to move the brush head.

The first electric toothbrush, the Broxodent, was introduced by Squibb Pharmaceutical at the centennial of the American Dental Association in 1959. These were initially created for patients with limited motor skills, as well as those with orthodontic patients (such as those with braces). Latest research shows that these are more effective than manual toothbrushes, as it leaves less room for patients to brush incorrectly.

However, other research finds electric toothbrushes are no more effective than the manual variety. However, "rotation-oscillation" electric toothbrushes did out-perform manual brushing, removing around 7% more plaque and leading to 17% less gum disease than manual brushes. Any kind of electric toothbrush does tend to help people who are not as good at cleaning their teeth and as a result have had oral hygiene problems.