Are electric toothbrushes any more effective than manual ones?
My three-year-old Braun electric has just died, and I am considering going back to an ordinary toothbrush. A. When electric toothbrushes first came into common use, research showed that they were more effective than manual ones. They wiggle their bristles much faster than you could ever brush manually, and they are able to remove more plaque than manual brushes. Electric-toothbrush users also seem to get less gingivitis – inflammation of the gums. But it is quite possible to keep your teeth healthy with a manual toothbrush, although you may have to be more painstaking. If you’re not keen to get a new electric brush, try using a manual one for a year or so. Then ask your dentist how you are doing. If you are managing to keep plaque down and your gums healthy, there’s no reason not to carry on. Elusive supervision Q. To treat my Reiter’s syndrome, the rheumatologist suggests I take methotrexate. I understand this drug needs supervision, and regular blood tests are indicated. But the rheu
