Q: Are power toothbrushes better than manual ones -- and are they worth the cost?

BY: Dr Bradley Xue

A: Yes, they are. A study conducted by independent international health care organisation, The Cochrane Health Group, found that it’s a good idea to switch from a manual to a powered toothbrush, especially if you choose one with rotating bristles instead of just those that vibrate.

That’s not a surprise: Power toothbrushes get to hard-to-reach areas with their small heads, and because they rotate, they do the hard work for you. The study also found that powered toothbrushes remove seven per cent more plaque than manual brushes, and reduce the likelihood of gingivitis by about 17 per cent.