Main Components of an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes have a reputation for being more effective than manual brushes, but just how exactly do they work? In this blog post we’ll take a look at the main components of an electric toothbrush so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
The outer casing of an electric of toothbrush is made of plastics and nylons. It’s typically heat molded from plastic granules and designed to be aesthetically pleasing at first glance. It also houses the rechargeable battery and other electronics. The bristles are typically made from nylon. It takes about 1.825 MJ to manufacture the nylon used in a toothbrush (Ng).
The motor, battery, and other electronics are usually powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion AA battery. This type of battery is recyclable, but it’s not the most environmentally friendly option. It requires a lot of energy to make from crude oil and produces greenhouse gases during production. The metals needed for the rechargeable battery and printed circuit board are often extracted using toxic leaching processes that use acidic chemicals.
What Are the Main Components of an Electric Toothbrush?
Most electronic toothbrushes have a crank unit that converts high-speed rotary motion from the motor into lower-speed back-and-forth vibration to brush your teeth. The crank unit is a simple mechanical device, but its operation is actually quite complicated.
Inside the handle is the motor, an electromechanical machine that generates movement in the brush head by applying a voltage to the brush bristles. The electric motor is powered by an electronic circuit that turns a piezoelectric transducer into high-speed vibrations.
Electric toothbrushes have revolutionized the way people approach oral hygiene, offering convenience, efficiency, and effectiveness in maintaining dental health. From their humble beginnings to the sophisticated models available today, electric toothbrushes have become a staple in bathrooms worldwide, favored by dentists and users alike for their ability to provide a superior clean compared to traditional manual brushing.
One of the key advantages of electric toothbrushes lies in their ability to generate rapid and consistent brush movements, mimicking the motion recommended by dental professionals for optimal cleaning. Most electric toothbrushes operate using oscillating, rotating, or sonic technology. Oscillating brushes typically feature small, round heads that rotate back and forth, reaching into crevices and gaps between teeth to dislodge plaque and debris effectively.
The motor is controlled by switches on the printed circuit board that activate different functions when you press a button. For example, some brushes have multiple modes that let you choose from a variety of ways to clean your teeth. These modes may include a regular cleaning, whitening, or a sonic vibration and pulsating motion to remove plaque from your teeth.
Other brushing modes may be timers to remind you to brush for the recommended two minutes and pressure sensors that alert you if you are too hard on your teeth. These features vary by brand, but many electric toothbrushes come with these and other smart technology to improve your oral health.