Ultrasonic Toothbrush

How do ultrasonic toothbrushes work?

Ultrasonic toothbrushes have a special brush head with bristles like a regular toothbrush, but instead of manually brushing back and forth, you guide the ultrasonic toothbrush slowly across your teeth.

The brush head transmits the ultrasonic waves emitted by the toothbrush, and the vibrations are amplified through saliva and toothpaste. Tiny air bubbles form, and the ultrasound penetrates between the teeth, into gum pockets, and into small cavities that can be difficult to reach with manual brushing.

Brushing with ultrasound cleans both the surface of the teeth and deeper areas, removing debris and tartar. Ultrasound also has a bactericidal effect and contributes to good oral health.

Ultrasonic treatment helps prevent tartar

Plaque can begin to form and harden within just a couple of days. Plaque is a bacterial film that develops on the teeth after eating. If plaque remains on the tooth surface, it combines with calcium salts in saliva. The mixture quickly hardens and forms tartar.

The challenge is that tartar often forms between teeth, where regular mechanical brushing has difficulty reaching. This is why dentists often remind patients to use mouthwash, dental floss, or interdental brushes to clean between teeth.

Tartar can form both above and below the gum line. Dentists and dental hygienists frequently use ultrasound in professional tartar removal and scaling treatments.

It is the ultrasound that vibrates and loosens the tartar so it detaches from the tooth surface. If tartar is left untreated, there is a risk of gum inflammation, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Ultrasonic brushing helps prevent tartar buildup. Visit a dentist regularly for diagnosis or professional removal if needed. Scraping with metal instruments, with or without ultrasound, should always be performed by trained dental professionals. Regular ultrasonic brushing at home is a good way to reduce the need for professional tartar removal and is something you can do yourself.

Fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash are also effective tools to use alongside ultrasonic brushing.