Even if you’ve been using a manual toothbrush using the correct technique for as long as you can remember, the research shows that an electric toothbrush benefits your oral health. Using an electric toothbrush twice a day can safeguard you against tooth decay, protect you against gum disease and ensure you keep your natural teeth for longer. Let’s take a look at the benefits of an electric toothbrush and why it makes sense to let technology do the work for you.
Why Brushing Your Teeth Matters?
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which coat your teeth, tongue, and mouth surfaces in a sticky film. This sticky film is called plaque, and the role of brushing is to remove it before it calcifies and turns into hardened tartar. Unmanaged plaque and tartar are the primary culprits behind tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Benefits Of Electric Toothbrush
If the cost of electric toothbrushes turns you off, consider that there are many benefits for your oral health if you use one.
Benefits Of Electric Toothbrush: Superior Plaque Removal
If you pay attention to your dentist’s oral health tips, you might have noted being told to move the toothbrush in small circular movements.
When you use an electric toothbrush, the circular rotations are done for you, and the toothbrush also vibrates to remove maximum plaque. Not only that, the oscillating mechanism of the head moves much faster than a human hand could hope to achieve. This means more plaque removal with less effort.
One study found that participants who used an electric toothbrush for three months saw a 21% reduction in plaque when compared to those using manual toothbrushes.
Electric Toothbrush Benefits: They Are Easier To Use
Electric toothbrushes are easier to use for people who have limited mobility in their hands and wrists. Patients who have conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis may find it difficult or painful to hold and rotate a manual toothbrush, but still need to keep their teeth clean and maintain a high standard of oral health. Electric toothbrushes make brushing less labour-intensive and more comfortable.
Pros Of Electric Toothbrush: Built-In Timers
You might also have noticed that your dentist instructs you to brush for at least two minutes per session. That’s the minimum amount of time required to clean each surface of each tooth effectively. The problem is, when you’re in a rush for work or ready to get into bed at night, you probably aren’t checking yourself with a stopwatch.
Electric toothbrushes have built-in timers to time-keep your brushing sessions. When you let technology take this function over, you can rest assured that you are brushing for the correct period of time.
Benefits Of Electric Toothbrush: Keep Your Orthodontics Clean
Wearing orthodontic braces presents a number of challenges for the wearer, and brushing teeth is definitely high up on the list. Having your teeth covered by wires and brackets makes it difficult to see where you are brushing. It also makes it easier for food and debris to get trapped. Using an electric toothbrush gives you more brushing power to keep your orthodontics in top condition, making it easier to get into small or awkward spaces.
Pros Of Electric Toothbrushes: Look After Your Dental Restorations
If you have dental restorations due to tooth decay, it’s an indication that your brushing technique could do with some improvement. While dental restorations are not vulnerable to tooth decay, it’s vital for the health of your remaining natural teeth and your gums to manage your plaque levels effectively.
Plaque build-up on and around restorations like dental implants, fixed bridgework, and dental crowns can jeopardise the health of your gums, which can compromise the longevity of your restorations.
An Electric Toothbrush Makes Oral Health Fun For Kids
A sound oral care routine is a lifelong gift that you can give to your children. The problem is small children do not always like self-care habits. The latest electric toothbrushes for kids are designed to stimulate and be fun. They turn a potentially boring scenario into something exciting that children will want to do.
Some of the newer models have coloured lights and make sounds that are engaging and interesting. And because parents can relax (because they know the toothbrush is taking care of the plaque removal), you can focus on turning teeth brushing into a positive experience.
An Electric Toothbrush Is Good For Gum Health
Contrary to what some people might think, electric toothbrushes do not cause damage to your gums. On the contrary, a study found 18% less gum recession in participants who used electric toothbrushes over manual brushes.
Of course, the technology has you covered when it comes to pressure too. Electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors that alert you if you’re brushing too hard.
How To Step Up Your Oral Health?
While effective brushing is a significant component of an effective dental hygiene routine, it’s not the only aspect.
- Make sure you floss every day. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from between your teeth and below your gum line.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste on your electric toothbrush to strengthen your dental enamel and offer added protection against tooth decay.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Bacteria live on your tongue and can contribute to bad breath even if you’re brushing your teeth really well.
- Make sure you visit your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist will professionally clean and polish your teeth, ensuring that all plaque and tartar are removed. Any early signs of tooth decay can be addressed before they become bigger, more costly problems.
To learn more about the benefits of an electric toothbrush and how one could positively impact your oral health, please contact us for an appointment: (02) 9159 6237.
References
Electric toothbrushes win the head-to-head against manual in record-breaking new study
https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/electric-toothbrushes-win-the-head-to-head-against-manual-in-record-breaking-new-study
Is It Better to Use an Electric or a Manual Toothbrush?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/electric-toothbrush-vs-manual#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1