What Is A Sonic Toothbrush: Insights, Benefits, Usage Tips

According to data collected by the U.S. Census and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS), roughly 140 million Americans use powered toothbrushes.¹ And it probably comes as no surprise that this number is set to grow, especially since clinical studies are finding powered toothbrushes are more effective than traditional, manual toothbrushes when it comes to removing plaque and improving gingival health,² leading to more and more dentists recommending them.

But what about sonic toothbrushes? Falling under powered toothbrushes, they are not as established or widespread, with consumers not entirely certain how the technology works and whether it’s right for them. To help, we’ve consulted our network of dental professionals to answer the following questions:

• What is a sonic toothbrush and how does it work?
• How is a sonic toothbrush different from an electric toothbrush?
• How do I use a sonic toothbrush?

Let’s get started.

What is a sonic toothbrush and how does it work?

A sonic toothbrush is a type of electric toothbrush that uses high-speed vibrations to clean teeth and gums. These vibrations are fast enough to create a secondary cleaning action that supplements your own cleaning motions, helping to dislodge plaque and debris in even hard-to-reach areas.

Typically, they can deliver anywhere between 24,000 to 48,000 brush strokes per minute. The LED² sonic electric toothbrush by PerioSciences operates between 34,000 to 39,000 brush strokes per minute, which is more than ten times the speed of electric toothbrushes. And while the sonic speed of the brush head is extremely effective at cleaning teeth, it isn’t strong enough to hurt the mouth.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that sonic toothbrushes vary, offering different cleaning modes for personalized care, from sensitive to whitening, with timers that ensure you are brushing just the right amount.

How is a sonic toothbrush different from an electric toothbrush?

Understanding the differences between manual, electric, and sonic toothbrushes can help you choose the best option for your oral health needs. Which is why, to keep things simple, we’ve put together this handy comparison table.

A clinical study found that the use of a new sonic toothbrush showed a significantly greater plaque reduction compared to a traditional manual toothbrush.³

Interestingly, a systematic review found that oscillating electric toothbrushes were more effective in the short term at reducing interproximal (the space between teeth) plaque than sonic toothbrushes, though results indicated differences in terms of overall teeth and gum health between the two was low in the long run.⁴

How do I use a sonic toothbrush?

Using a sonic toothbrush is simple, but following these steps ensures the best results:

1. Floss.
2. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your sonic toothbrush.
3. Hold your sonic toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth and gums.
4. Turn on the sonic toothbrush and move it slowly across your teeth. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as the sonic vibrations assist with the cleaning.
5. Divide your mouth into quadrants and spend about 30 seconds on each, using the brush’s built-in timer if available.
6. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush head thoroughly and store it upright to dry.

Tips for optimal use

• Replace the brush head every three months or sooner if the bristles show signs of wear.
• Use a gentle brushing motion to avoid enamel erosion or gum irritation.
• Pair your sonic toothbrush with a dental gel to support oral care.

Furthermore, consider using a sonic toothbrush that offers different cleaning modes via the use of red and blue LED technology. While this may sound unconventional, a randomized controlled trial found such technology reduced gingival bleeding and inflammation after six weeks,⁵ while research shows blue light can accelerate teeth whitening.⁶

Achieve a healthier smile with sonic technology

Sonic toothbrushes combine cutting-edge technology with proven results, making them a game-changer for oral hygiene. Whether you're upgrading from a manual brush or switching from a regular electric toothbrush, the benefits of a sonic toothbrush are undeniable.

Ready to elevate your dental care? Check out our LED² Electric Sonic Toothbrush and see why it’s a favorite among dentists. Pair it with PerioSciences’ revolutionary antioxidant toothpastes, mouth rinses, and dental gel to enhance your brushing routine and support long-term oral health.

References

1. U.S. population: Usage of power toothbrushes from 2011 to 2024, Statista
   
2. A comparison of the efficacy of powered and manual toothbrushes in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a clinical study, Dovepress via PubMed Central
   
3. Is a new sonic toothbrush more effective in plaque removal than a manual toothbrush?, ResearchGate
   
4. The Effect of Different Electric Toothbrush Technologies on Interdental Plaque Removal: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis, Healthcare via PubMed Central
   
5. Effects of an electric toothbrush combined with 3-color light-emitting diodes on antiplaque and bleeding control: a randomized controlled study, JPIS via PubMed Central
   
6. Insights into blue light accelerated tooth whitening, Heliyon via ScienceDirect