Is a sonic toothbrush really good for your teeth? (2025)

Are you considering a sonic toothbrush, but aren't sure if it's the best for your teeth? While some recommend it, others say it's a waste of money. So, let's take a look at the pros and cons of an electric toothbrush for a brighter smile.

Sonic toothbrushes are and above all, convenient. But can they really remove plaque better and contribute to modern dental hygiene achievements with cleaner, healthier teeth free of cavities and periodontal disease?

How does a sonic toothbrush work?

A sonic toothbrush is a more advanced type of electric toothbrush. Simpler models usually work on the principle of rotational movement. In contrast, a sonic toothbrush cleans teeth using high-frequency vibrations. In simple terms, we can imagine it as the head vibrating very quickly from side to side. This movement creates a dynamic cleaning effect that helps gently and effectively remove plaque from the teeth.

What is the difference between a sonic and a rotary toothbrush?

As we have already mentioned, these two types of brushes differ primarily in the mechanics of movement.

A conventional rotary electric toothbrush uses an oscillating movement, which means that it rotates or swings from side to side. The frequency of movement is much lower, usually 2,500 to 8,000 movements per minute. Cleaning is mechanical, and the correct cleaning technique is important.

Asonic electric toothbrush uses high-frequency vibrations of the head from side to side, with a frequency that usually reaches 20,000 to 40,000 movements per minute. This is several times more than a rotary toothbrush. A sonic toothbrush combines mechanical and hydrodynamic cleaning, thanks to which it cleans even hard-to-reach places (e.g. interdental spaces).

Main differences

A quick comparison shows that a sonic toothbrush uses a more advanced cleaning technique and can help to clean your teeth more thoroughly. It can also reach hard-to-reach places and is also suitable for more sensitive teeth and gums.

Advantages of a sonic toothbrush

If we were to summarize the biggest advantages of a sonic toothbrush, they are mainly the following:

1. Better plaque removal–high-frequency movement effectively removes plaque even in hard-to-reach places.
2. Gentle on gums and teeth – when used correctly, it is gentler and less aggressive compared to a rotary electric toothbrush.
3. Helps with interdental cleaning – thanks to the “sonic effect”, the paste, together with water, also reaches between the teeth and under the gum line.
4. Advanced features – most sonic brushes have timers, pressure sensors and different cleaning modes, which helps to achieve the correct technique and duration of cleaning.
5. Suitable for sensitive teeth and braces – gentle but thorough cleaning is also suitable for people with sensitive teeth or braces.

What is the difference between a sonic toothbrush and a manual toothbrush

We've probably all had experience using a regular manual toothbrush. Of course, this can be completely sufficient for cleaning your teeth if you have the right brush and the right technique. However, in many cases, one or both of these aspects are not satisfactory and people either don't know how to brush their teeth or choose unsuitable brushes (e.g. too hard or too soft).

Features of a manual toothbrush

1. Efficiency depends on the technique –you control the effectiveness of cleaning by moving your hand, while the correct pressure, duration of brushing and direction of action of the brush are important.
2. Lower frequency – the number of movements per minute is estimated at 300 to 600, which is several times less compared to electric toothbrushes.
3. The cheapest option – cleaning with a manual toothbrush is cheaper compared to buying an electric toothbrush. However, the brush needs to be changed more often.
4. Risk of incorrect cleaning – not everyone knows the correct cleaning technique or uses the appropriate hardness of the brush. This leads to insufficient or overly aggressive cleaning, which can damage the gums.

Can a manual toothbrush be enough to effectively clean your teeth? Of course, if you know how to brush your teeth properly, use a suitable toothbrush and brush at sufficient intervals. Remember that you need to change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after every illness.

General recommendations include brushing your teeth at least twice a day (morning and evening), for 2 minutes and using toothpaste (ideally with fluoride). After brushing, it is also recommended to use an interdental brush or dental floss, because a manual toothbrush cannot reach all areas like a sonic toothbrush.

What Dentists and Dental Hygienists Recommend

Dental professionals, including dentists and dental hygienists, generally recommend electric toothbrushes over manual ones. The reason is that they are more effective at removing plaque, even without perfect brushing technique. Among electric toothbrushes, sonic models are often preferred, which provide a gentle but thorough clean.

For example, a 2014 study found that electric toothbrushes reduced plaque by up to 21% (after 3 months of use) and reduced gingivitis by 11% more than manual toothbrushes. Another study, which followed nearly 3,000 people for 11 years, found that using electric toothbrushes led to a reduction in symptoms of periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Dentists, such as Dr. Craven in this article, agree that electric toothbrushes are better overall than manual toothbrushes. They are gentler on the gums and cause less damage to the gums and teeth. They eliminate the risk of human error, and therefore incorrect and ineffective brushing. For people with sensitive gums, he especially recommends sonic toothbrushes.

Summary

Investing in a sonic toothbrush is especially worthwhile for people who are unsure of their brushing technique and want to make their life easier. If you care about thorough and effective teeth cleaning, a sonic toothbrush can help you do just that. It gets into hard-to-reach areas, is gentle on your gums, and is gentle on sensitive teeth. While it may be more expensive than other toothbrushes, it usually means that the more you invest in regular care, the less you will spend at the dentist.