ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual brushes for cleaning teeth, removing plaque, and preventing dental complications. However, there is limited evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental professionals towards their use. This study aims to assess awareness, perceived relevance, and application of electric toothbrushes among dentists and dental students.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured self-administered questionnaires, targeting 302 participants including dental students, private practitioners, and academic faculty. The questionnaire administered online and in person consisted of two sections: knowledge, assessment, and practice assessment. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results:
The knowledge assessment, 72.5% of participants had prior knowledge about electric toothbrushes and 68.2% associated them with improved oral care. In the practice assessment, 61.3% had never recommended electric toothbrushes in practice or training, but 70.5% expressed willingness to do so in the future. Perceived capability of utilizing electric toothbrushes was rated as average (3/5) 41.5% and as high (4 or 5/5) 18.3%.
Conclusion:
Despite positive attitudes toward electric toothbrushes, their use remains limited among dental professionals. Participants recognize the need for more education and resources to bridge gaps and knowledge and confidence regarding electric toothbrushes in dental practice are essential for modern oral care.
KEYWORDS: Dental education, electric toothbrushes, oral hygiene, proficiency, technology integration
INTRODUCTION
Electric toothbrushes are modern advanced dental tools for improved plaque control and better gum health when one moves from the regular stationary toothbrush. The first electric toothbrush was in use since the 1960 but the actual electric toothbrushes with extra batteries and the brush head were in use in the late twentieth and the twenty-first centuries. Oral health has continued to be one of the new areas of concern from the population in the recent past, and there is constant talk about the use of electric toothbrushes.[1]
Other features include time displays, pressure control, and multiple brushing modes, which makes it quite an interesting gadget for people searching for a better way of brushing their teeth.[2] The following findings confirm that the electric toothbrushes have the capacity of removing plaque and gingivitis more than regular brushes and thus are used in preventive dentistry. Moreover, they might increase the patient’s level of understanding the correct method of how to brush the teeth, and compliance with proper oral cleansing protocols.[3] However, electric toothbrushes are not used by every dentist and students; the authors noticed that such equipment was in equal distribution. Such barriers have been described in this article, hence the need for improved advice on the use of these existing tools to patients.[4]
This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding electric toothbrushes using a structured questionnaire on awareness, benefits, and recommendations. Participants included 302 dental professionals, students, and private practitioners, excluding non-dental affiliations. Data were collected via online and paper-based surveys with Likert-scale and closed-ended questions. Practice assessment covered EB recommendations, training discussions, and self-efficacy. Responses were analyzed using frequency statistics and exploratory analysis. Ethical considerations ensured anonymity, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, with no personal identifiers in reports.
RESULTS
Of the 302 participants, 52.3% were male and 47.7% female. Roles included professors (13.3%), students (56.3%), and private practitioners (30.5%). Age distribution was as follows: 20–29 years (43.1%), 30–39 years (33.1%), 40–49 years (16.6%), and 50 + years (7.3%).
Knowledge assessment
Approximately 75% of respondents were aware of electric toothbrushes with 54% agreeing and 21% strongly agreeing. Only 12.4% admitted to knowing little or nothing about them. Regarding their benefits. 68.2% agreed and 27.2% strongly agreed that electric toothbrushes enhance oral hygiene. About 65% could explain how these devices improve dental health. Familiarity was high with 70% aware of various types while 15% disagreed indicating room for improvement.
Attitude assessment
Most respondents 69.7% supported the use of electric toothbrushes in enhancing dental education. Confidence in recommending them was strong with 60%. Feeling comfortable while only 25% lacked confidence around 65%. Believed electric toothbrushes improve patient engagement and oral care. Additionally, 61.3% express willingness to recommend them to colleagues recognizing their benefits. Overall 65% viewed electric toothbrushes as useful tools in modern dentistry.
Practice assessment
Only 38.7% had recommended electric toothbrushes to patients but 70.5% plan to discuss them more in future training. This indicates growing interest in incorporating electric toothbrushes into dental practices [Table 1].
Table 1.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment of the participants
| Statement | Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | Yes/No/Maybe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I am aware of what electric toothbrushes are. | 5 (1.7%) | 15 (5.0%) | 26 (8.6%) | 152 (50.4%) | 67 (22.1%) | |
| I understand how electric toothbrushes can enhance oral hygiene. | 6 (2.0%) | 10 (3.3%) | 34 (11.3%) | 124 (41.0%) | 82 (27.2%) | |
| I can explain how electric toothbrushes improve oral hygiene practices. | 4 (1.3%) | 12 (4.0%) | 36 (12.0%) | 148 (48.9%) | 102 (33.8%) | |
| I am familiar with the types of electric toothbrushes available | 8 (2.6%) | 15 (5.0%) | 26 (8.6%) | 160 (52.9%) | 93 (30.8%) | |
| I believe that electric toothbrushes can significantly enhance oral hygiene. | 5 (1.7%) | 15 (5.0%) | 26 (8.6%) | 151 (50.0%) | 105 (34.8%) | |
| I feel confident in recommending electric toothbrushes to patients. | 7 (2.3%) | 20 (6.6%) | 60 (19.9%) | 124 (41.0%) | 91 (30.1%) | |
| I think patients would be more engaged in their oral care if electric toothbrushes were used. | 6 (2.0%) | 12 (4.0%) | 38 (12.6%) | 150 (49.7%) | 96 (31.8%) | |
| Have you recommended electric toothbrushes to patients? | Yes: 117 (38.7%) No: 185 (61.3%) | |||||
| Do you plan to incorporate electric toothbrush discussions in the future? | Yes: 213 (70.5%) No: 89 (29.5%) | |||||
| Are you comfortable discussing electric toothbrushes with patients? | Yes: 115 (38.1%) No: 187 (61.9%) |
DISCUSSION
Studies consistently show that electric toothbrushes, especially oscillating. Rotating types are more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than manual brushes. Systematic reviews reveal that electric toothbrushes users experience 14.5-fold greater reduction in gingival inflammation over 8 weeks compared to manual brush users.[5] These findings align with Cochrane analysis which confirm the superior short- and long-term effectiveness of electric brushes. However, misconceptions and lack of practitioner support hinder their clinical adoption.[6]
Electric toothbrushes offer superior plaque biofilm removal through consistent oscillation, reducing bacterial buildup. However, detachable brush heads may promote microbial colonization if not cleaned. They disrupt biofilms more effectively, lowering dental plaque formation and maintaining microbial balance. Regular head cleaning is necessary to prevent contamination. Enhanced plaque removal may lower the risk of systemic diseases linked to oral pathogens.
Manual toothbrushes depend on technique and are less effective in biofilm removal. They have a simpler structure but are prone to microbial growth if not dried. Inconsistent biofilm disruption may allow plaque persistence, increasing the risk of oral and systemic diseases.
Despite widespread awareness of electric toothbrushes, they are used and advocacy in clinical practice remains limited. Disc disconnect arises from insufficient knowledge to confidently recommend to them misconceptions about manual brushes, ignorance of electric brush types, and doubts about efficacy.[7] Addressing these barriers through specialist educational programs is crucial to toothbrush and students to improve patient recommendations.[8]
Introducing these tools in consultations can foster better patient engagement with 65% of respondents agreeing that reacted to toothbrushes and hands.[9,10]
CONCLUSION
According to the survey, dental professionals and students are significantly aware of electric toothbrushes, but there is a noticeable discrepancy between recommendations and actual use in practice. Although there is desire in integrating conversations on electric toothbrushes into future practice, improving training and educational activities is crucial to gaining the competence and confidence to recommend these devices. Improving patient care and oral hygiene habits will eventually result from filling up knowledge gaps and creating an atmosphere that welcomes contemporary dental technologies.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Funding Statement
Nil.
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