One data point. I have had difficult to control plaque for at least two decades. According to my dentist others have continuing problems with cavities. I don't.<p>For the past three years I've used an Oral B electric toothbrush without any improvement.<p>And then last January I made two changes that have made a huge change in my plaque situation (verified by my hygenist of three years).<p>First I upgraded my electric toothbrush to the Oral B 4000, which has noticeably more power, at Christmas. And second I changed my brushing technique. Instead of brushing flat against my teeth I now brush the gum line at my teeth and rotate the brush head to a 45 degree angle down at the gums. I then move the tooth brush back and forth over sections of teeth. Typically side or front though the backs if the front teeth require a slightly different approach.<p>After these changes my hygenist noticed a big improvement in my gums. I also reduced my flossing but when I do floss now theres very little pain, bleeding or swelling unlike before.<p>Your mileage may very but if you have plaque problems you might save on hygenists.