Michael Todd Sonicare Cleansing device The Michael Todd Sonicare Cleansing device is a battery-operated toothbrush that uses rapid vibrations to clean the teeth, gums and tongue. Like other electric toothbrushes, it can remove plaque and help prevent cavities. It has an angled neck to better reach the back molars along with bristles of varying thicknesses, all which work together to break up plaque. The advanced design also allows for more thorough cleansing by reaching difficult places in between teeth and below the gum line where bacteria collects most often. Users simply load four AA batteries into the handle, wet their brush with water or mouthwash and turn on – either setting will produce thousands of soft micro-massages that are gentle enough for everyday use. The Sonicare Cleansing device is also perfect for people with braces, as it can help remove food particles and plaque that are often trapped in the wires and brackets. For best results, the manufacturer recommends using the Sonicare Cleansing device for two minutes at a time, twice a day. It can be used with or without toothpaste. The Michael Todd Sonicare Cleansing device retails for around $60.00 and is available at most major retailers, including Sears, Walmart and Target. It also comes with a two-year warranty. It has been shown that the Sonicare Cleansing device is more effective when used with toothpaste. A study conducted in 2009 by Baylor College of Medicine showed that brushing teeth for two minutes without toothpaste would only remove about 40 percent of plaque, while using toothpaste increased this to 90 percent. After five brushings, there was no significant difference between the two methods. A similar study in 1997 by the University of Pittsburgh found that cleaning with an electric toothbrush removed 70 percent of plaque compared to 30 percent for manual brushing. These studies suggest that using a Sonicare Cleansing device along with fluoride-containing toothpaste provides superior oral hygiene when compared to just regular toothbrushing or manual brushing alone.