The Pros And Cons Of Electric Toothbrush
The Pros
More Movement With Less Effort
One of the biggest pros of electric toothbrushes is the fact that the bristles rotate or vibrate in order to remove plaque build-up from your teeth. The research suggests that rotating bristles are more effective at plaque removal than vibrations. Some studies also reveal that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and are more effective at resting gingivitis than manual toothbrushes.
If you have lost teeth due to dental decay or your dental hygiene skills need improvement, electric toothbrushes can make a major difference to the state of your oral health.
Patients With Limited Mobility Do Not Have To Sacrifice Dental Health
Certainly, if you are able to make the circular cleaning movements with a manual toothbrush, you should do a good job at plaque removal. If, however, you suffer from conditions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, this may not be possible or it may be very uncomfortable. By using an electric toothbrush you can ensure that your teeth are receiving their daily dental care.
Patients With Orthodontics Find Brushing Easier
When you wear braces you need to make sure your brush gets into small spaces and clean them effectively.
Even if your technique with a manual toothbrush is good, having braces can make dental hygiene a challenge and an electric brush can make the job much easier.
Orthodontic patients must pay special attention to their oral care. Neglecting to brush makes you prone to tooth decay, tooth stains and gum disease. If you have not kept your teeth clean enough, when your braces are removed there could be white spaces over your teeth where your orthodontics were attached, as the rest of the tooth surface has been stained.
Electric Toothbrushes Are Kind To Your Gums
Brushing too hard or holding a manual toothbrush at the wrong angle can wear away at your gums. Electric toothbrushes make use of movement rather than force to remove plaque. Even so, it is important that you do not position the brush against your teeth and gums too hard and rather hold it at a 45-degree angle.
It’s More Environmentally Friendly
When you replace a manual brush you have to replace the whole thing. When you need to upgrade the bristles on an electric brush you only replace the head.
Teach Kids Good Dental Habits From Early On
Learning to clean your teeth isn’t easy, especially with a manual toothbrush. It also isn’t always fun for kids, and parents need to make an effort to make dental hygiene a positive experience for their children. Using electric toothbrushes can help your kids to keep their mouths clean while they are still learning the important technique of plaque removal. Some kids’ toothbrushes also have sounds and pictures to make the process more fun.
Electric Toothbrushes Have A Built-in Timer
We should all be brushing for at least two minutes per session but how good is your ability to time your efforts mentally? If you choose an electric toothbrush you can rest assured that it is cleaning all those hard-to-reach spaces and that you are brushing for long enough to remove plaque.
The Cons Of Electric Toothbrushes
Electric Toothbrushes Are More Expensive Than Manual Toothbrushes
Cost is typically the biggest con to using an electric toothbrush. Both the toothbrush and the replacements cost more than a manual toothbrush.
Some People Don’t Like The Sensation
Some patients do not enjoy the movement or vibrations in their mouth caused by an electric toothbrush. If your mouth is sensitive like this, a manual brush might work better for you.
It Needs To Be Charged
Your manual toothbrush can work at any time, in any situation but an electric toothbrush needs to be charged before you can use it. If you’re travelling you may find it easier to take a manual toothbrush on trips away.
Orthodontic Patients May Need To Replace The Head More Frequently
Patients who have orthodontic braces find that their toothbrush bristles wear away quite quickly and need to be replaced quite often. This is a small trade-off for improved dental health, however, and the pros of electric toothbrushes for patients with braces should not be disregarded.
Make Sure New Heads Are Easily Available
Before you buy an electric toothbrush make sure that the replacement heads are readily available. This is why it is a good idea to choose a global brand. It’s a good idea to stock up on the replacement heads just to be safe.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes need to be changed every three months or when the bristles start to wear. If you notice your bristles wearing down sooner than three months, it could be a sign that you are brushing too hard (or simply because you wear braces)
Certainly, there are pros and cons of electric toothbrush but it all comes down to your personal preference. If you are unsure about which is the better option for your dental hygiene, you should discuss your options with your dentist. It’s also always a good idea to review your brushing and flossing technique with your dentist, regardless of the type of toothbrush you use.
To find out more about the pros and cons of electric toothbrush, please contact us for an appointment: (02) 9159 6237.