Use any type of electric toothbrush to maintain the cleanliness of your mouth and teeth.
Two minutes of brushing twice daily will help eliminate bacteria in your mouth. This removes food particles that have become stuck between your teeth. Using an electric toothbrush does well in cleaning your teeth and gums.
If you’re still hesitant to throw away your manual toothbrush, Sunrise Dentistry is here to help you with all the things you need to know about electric toothbrush vs. manual toothbrush.
Why It Is Important to Choose the Right Toothbrush
When it comes to your dental hygiene, choosing the right toothbrush is vital. The wrong one may do you more harm than good. Give your teeth and mouth the best chance to fight tooth decay and cavities.
Are electric toothbrushes bad? They’re not. However, the best toothbrush should fit comfortably in your hand and mouth. Take into account the size of the toothbrush head and the bristles. The bristles should also be soft and round as these are gentle on your gums and teeth. On the other hand, toothbrushes with hard bristles may lead to gum recession.
Questions You Might Have About Electric Toothbrushes
Do electric toothbrushes work? They certainly do well in cleaning our pearly whites.
Are electric toothbrushes better? Let’s find out.
An electric toothbrush comes with a hefty price tag compared to its manual counterpart. That’s why it’s essential to weigh in all the factors to know if it’s right for you.
If you’re contemplating whether it’s time to make the switch, here are the answers to your questions about electric toothbrushes:
1. Are electric toothbrushes for adults only?
There are many types of electric toothbrushes for children, teens and adults. If you are thinking of buying one for your child’s, make sure to check the label to see the recommended age range.
2. Do electric toothbrushes create thousands of strokes?
Yes, they do. In two minutes, electric toothbrushes create thousands of strokes, providing better cleaning than manual toothbrushes.
3. Can I use electric toothbrushes for dental appliances?
Of course! An electric toothbrush works for people with dental braces, veneers, fillings, and other dental appliances. When in doubt, you can always ask your dentist to confirm.
4. Is it difficult to bring electric toothbrushes when I travel?
Absolutely not! There are different types of electric toothbrushes. Some are smaller than other models and are easier to use. Others are even battery-operated, so you won’t have to bring a charger with you.
Even if one requires a charger, it takes a long time for it to drain.
5. Do electric toothbrushes damage teeth?
Electric toothbrushes will not damage your pearly whites as long as you use them correctly and follow your dentist’s tips. They’re more effective in removing plaque. However, misuse may lead to damage.
Be mindful of the force you exert when brushing your teeth. Although old, a 2012 study reports that people tend to brush too hard when using a manual toothbrush than an electric toothbrush. Avoid hurting your teeth and enamel by using the right toothbrush.
Features to Look For When Choosing Electric Toothbrushes
You will be able to narrow down your choices by knowing what to look out for. This will help you make a decision between the various brands and types of electric toothbrushes available on the market.
Here are some of the features you need to know before using electric toothbrush:
1. Brushing Action
Electric toothbrushes have varying brushing action capabilities. The basic models range from 6,000 to 7,000 strokes per minute – the more strokes, the better. The advancement in technology now gives people access to electric toothbrushes that produce 30,000 strokes every 60 seconds.
2. Timer
An additional benefit of electric toothbrushes is their built-in 2-minute timer. When choosing one for yourself, consider a toothbrush with a 30-second alert, so you know when to switch areas when brushing your teeth.
3. Brush Mode
Using electric toothbrush is made easier because of the timer and different brush modes. You should always consider how many brush modes your toothbrush has.
Pick one that comes with two to three brush modes — one regular, one for sensitive teeth, and one for deep cleaning. The brush mode for sensitive teeth is important, especially if your gums bleed easily.
4. Battery
Although non-rechargeable electric toothbrushes are great, rechargeable electric toothbrushes have a longer lifespan. They also have the power to deliver 30,000 or more brush strokes per minute.
5. Toothbrush Head
When choosing an electric toothbrush, opt for one that has replaceable toothbrush heads. Just like manual toothbrushes, you have to replace them every three months. In some models, you have to replace the entire toothbrush itself.
You should also consider one that is compact. Smaller toothbrush heads are easier to maneuver and more comfortable to use. Others are even compatible with different toothbrush head types.
6. Pressure Sensor
Can electric toothbrushes damage gums? The answer is no, especially if you use them the right way. One way to make sure you’re protecting your gums is by choosing a toothbrush with a pressure sensor. It will alert you if you’re brushing too hard or if you’re staying in one area of your mouth for too long.
7. Battery-Level Display
Your toothbrush should not stop working during your oral care routine. A battery-level display is one of the most important features that your toothbrush should have. A fully-charged toothbrush can last up to two weeks depending on the battery type and capacity.
8. Bluetooth Connectivity
You might want a toothbrush with a Bluetooth connectivity feature for maximum efficiency. You can connect your toothbrush to a mobile application or a smart device to monitor and track your dental care regimen.
Benefits of Using Electric Toothbrush
The impressive features of electric toothbrushes offer a handful of benefits for your oral health. It’s time to say goodbye to your manual toothbrush.
Here are the reasons you should make the switch:
1. Promotes Tooth Health
Do electric toothbrushes damage enamel? Again, they don’t if you use them properly. Electric toothbrushes provide sufficient cleaning on each of your teeth. Since some models are equipped with a pressure sensor, you’ll know whether your force is just enough or too much.
Harsh brushing techniques may wear away the enamel of your teeth. You may not be aware of this when using a manual toothbrush. Prevent this from happening by switching to an electric one.
2. Gentle on Gums
Electric toothbrushes help prevent gum disease. They’re also effective in eliminating bacteria along the gum line. If you’re wary of breaking the norm, ask your dentist how to brush teeth with electric toothbrush.
3. Superior Plaque Removal
An electric toothbrush with toothpaste will remove the bacteria-laden sticky film from your teeth. This helps prevent gingivitis. Electric toothbrushes also guarantee that all areas of your mouth get the same level of cleaning.
With manual toothbrushes, right-handed individuals tend to be more thorough on the left side of their mouth. Aside from that, people usually fail to reach the two-minute recommended brushing time. Eliminate these problems by switching to an electric toothbrush.
4. Ease of Use
Electric toothbrushes eliminate the need to brush your teeth back and forth. The toothbrush will do all the work. You just need to guide the toothbrush along your gums and teeth. Adults with a limited range of motion or suffering from arthritis will benefit from this.
Electric toothbrushes are also perfect for children. Make sure you choose one that is suitable for their age. As kids may not be able to brush their teeth thoroughly, an electric toothbrush is a fun and educational way to teach them proper brushing techniques.
5. Personalized Cleaning
Every person has unique dental care needs. Unlike manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes have a variety of features. When you do your research, you’ll see how many brands and models are available. It also helps when you ask your dentist for recommendations.
Choose one that best fits your needs. For instance, the different brush modes are designed to cater to sensitive teeth or those who require deeper cleaning. If you’re someone who smokes or drinks wine, tea, or coffee, opt for one with a deep cleaning option.
Start Using Electric Toothbrush Today
If you’re looking for licensed dentists in Durango, CO, choose Sunrise Dentistry.
Our priority is your oral health. Your oral health is our top priority. Our team of dental professionals can help you select the best electric toothbrush. We will take care of your pearly whites! Schedule an appointment today.