Dr Tung's Ionic Toothbrush Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dr Tung's Ionic Toothbrush compare with a sonic or power brush? 

A clinical meta analysis of oscillating brushes (power and sonic) found that only certain types remove significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush. And even then, the amount of plaque removed was only up to 11% more than a manual brush. Research on the Ionic toothbrush showed that it removes up to 48% more plaque than a manual toothbrush.  The Ionic toothbrush works on a different principle to other toothbrushes, making it extremely effective, even in hard to reach areas of the mouth

 

How does it remove plaque? 

As dentists know, teeth normally have a negative polarity while plaque has an opposite or positive polarity. This is why plaque clings to your teeth. The Ionic toothbrush from Dr. Tung's breaks this ionic bond by temporarily reversing the polarity of tooth surfaces as you brush. The plaque molecules are then repelled by the teeth and drawn to the negatively polarized bristles of the Ionic toothbrush.

 

 Is the Ionic toothbrush clinically proven? 

Yes. There have been many studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the IONIC toothbrush. One important study at Marquette University School of Dentistry showed a very significant 36.17% reduction in plaque. This was up to 48% more effective than a manual toothbrush. The same study showed a big improvement in gingival health - up to 51% - for the Ionic toothbrush group. Plaque scores were determined using the Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman Index. Likewise, gingival indices were determined using the Loe Silness Gingival Inflammation Index. Other studies in both Japan and the USA have shown similar improvements in plaque scores, as well as improvements in dental hypersensitivity.

 

 How do I test the battery? 

The power cell lasts up to two years with normal use. It is easy to test the battery on our new Ionic toothbrush with integrated battery tester! Push button. Red light indicates that the battery has power and is working properly. If the light does not go on when testing, it is time to order a new Ionic toothbrush set. Notes: We recommend testing the battery monthly. The light does NOT go on when using the toothbrush.

 

Do I need to use toothpaste? 

You can use the Ionic toothbrush with or without toothpaste since the cleaning action occurs through ionic action - reversing polarity to make teeth repel plaque - and not merely through the mechanical scrubbing action as occurs with other toothbrushes. (You have to use an abrasive like toothpaste with other toothbrushes to help with the mechanical cleaning, as with scrubbing a floor). The Ionic toothbrush on the other hand, makes teeth repel plaque and also attracts plaque to the toothbrush head, both due to Ionic technology. This means you do not have to brush so hard, which is better for the gums. You do need some fluid for the ionic effect to work - this can be water (a wet toothbrush head) or toothpaste, as per your preference.

 

 How do I care for my Ionic toothbrush? 

After brushing, rinse and dry your Ionic Toothbrush and store in a dry place.  (If your toothbrush lies in water / moisture, this will reduce the battery life and will void the warranty). It is preferable to store your toothbrush away from metal surfaces. Remove the brush head occasionally to rinse off toothpaste residue. Note: If you cannot easily remove the brush head, toothpaste residue build up on the metal rod may be the issue. You can loosen this residue by soaking your Ionic Toothbrush in hot water for 2 - 3 minutes. Once you've soaked your toothbrush, you should more easily be able to remove the brush head.  You can help prevent this from happening in the future by removing the brush head every 3 - 4 weeks and wiping off any accumulated build-up.