Are Electric Toothbrushes Really Better?
You’ve seen those commercials about fancy electric toothbrushes rapidly removing plaque from teeth. But do they really work better than manual toothbrushes?
What Is an Electric Toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes are chargeable toothbrushes that essentially do the brushing for you. They’re similar to the tools your dental hygienist uses to polish your teeth. Electric toothbrushes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and functionalities, all of which are geared toward giving your mouth a better clean every time you brush. Some have timers that let you know how long you’re actually brushing for, while others let you choose the amount of pressure to apply on your gums so you don’t damage them. Dentists highly recommend that their patients go with an electric toothbrush because they’re easy to use and effective.
Why a Patient Would Need an Electric Toothbrush
When it comes to brushing your teeth, it’s all about technique. Are you actually brushing your teeth using tiny circles to lift away the plaque for two minutes each time? Are you brushing too hard on your gums, causing bleeding and sensitivity? Using an electric toothbrush can help you make sure that you’re actually brushing the way your dentist instructs you to do with very little effort on your part.
Electric toothbrushes are especially great for children with braces because they are more likely to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places, as well as for elderly patients that have issues with dexterity.
The Downside to Electric Toothbrushes
The main downside to an electric toothbrush versus a manual one is cost. Electric toothbrushes can be very expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment if they can prevent you from needing expensive procedures to save your teeth in the future.
Electric toothbrushes are also clunkier to travel with since you have to bring your charger with you every time you’re on the go. If you travel frequently, it may be best to try a few different manual toothbrushes before you settle on the best one for you.
Thinking about switching to an electric toothbrush? Our team at Today’s Dental is happy to assess your oral health and give you our recommendation what brand and model to get.
