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FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany: According to experts, it does not make a significant difference whether children brush their teeth with a conventional or an electric toothbrush. However, there are certain considerations for parents before they purchase an electronic brush for their children. German magazine ÖKO-TEST recently tested eight common products.
The editors sent seven toothbrushes and eight brush attachments to a laboratory. They had the handles tested for harmful substances, and the brushes’ technical characteristics determined and practicality tested. In addition, a clinical expert examined whether the brushes are suitable for children.
The brushes tested included both inexpensive no-name products and more-expensive branded products. The final test result ranged from “very good” to “poor”. The more-expensive products performed the worst in some aspects.
The bristles were found to be perfect in four toothbrushes, while five products were in need of improvement owing to bristle ends that are too sharp and pointed, according to ÖKO-TEST. This does not affect the brushing effect negatively but can damage the gingiva. Especially in the case of children, who do not brush in a targeted manner, manufacturers should ensure properly rounded bristles, the magazine advised.
A branded toothbrush scored worst on robustness. It broke on being dropped for the second time from a height of 1 m onto a tile floor and could not be repaired. Two reasonably priced toothbrushes broke partially when dropped; however, they were easily fixed. All other products passed the drop test without any damage. Durability was guaranteed for all devices. The simulation of use over three years found no attrition in any of the products tested. Even under water, the toothbrushes ran without fault.
The testers found naphthalene in the handle grip of one branded product in an amount they assessed as too high. Naphthalene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is believed to be carcinogenic. In addition, the testers recommended improvements in terms of the material from which the cables and circuit boards are made. In this regard, all the brushes were found to be satisfactory.
