Manual toothbrushes are terrific and have had many advances over the years. Used properly a manual toothbrush will clean your teeth and help keep your oral health optimal. However, you could be missing out on some of the great benefits that electric toothbrushes have to offer. While they clearly come at a slightly higher cost than manual toothbrushes, electric options are still found by many people to be well worth the small additional investment. Some of the many reasons an electric or battery-operated toothbrush is beneficial include gentleness to gums; enhanced cleaning ability; ease of grip for everyone, especially people with dexterity issues; and some models include a timer. You should ask your dentist which type of toothbrush would be best for you and how to use it properly to achieve the most benefit.
Manual toothbrushes, used incorrectly, can be hard on your gums and cause damage to them over time. On the other hand, electric toothbrushes can be much gentler on your gums and keep your teeth clean and healthy for longer. This is why electric toothbrushes are so commonly recommended by dentists for those who struggle with tooth sensitivity.
Electric toothbrushes have been proven to remove more plaque from teeth than manual ones. The same goes for the removal of bacteria, which greatly reduces your risk of developing gingivitis. which leads to periodontitis and the eventual loss of teeth. When you have less plaque and can avoid gingivitis, you’ll notice that your mouth feels cleaner and healthier, and that your smile is brighter with fresher breath.
Electric toothbrushes are easy to grip and do most of the work for you. For those with mobility struggles, this makes an electric toothbrush the perfect dental care solution. Electric toothbrushes are especially useful for people who experience conditions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel.
The timers that are now built into many electric toothbrushes make them even more convenient than they were before. These timers help you ensure that you are brushing for as long as you should be. Some are even able to remind you to switch the position of the brush in your mouth at set intervals, in order to guarantee a complete cleaning of all your teeth. Some models have a fun melody that children enjoy and helps promote good oral hygiene practices at younger ages.
As you can see, switching to an electric toothbrush offers some distinct advantages when compared to using your manual brush. Electric toothbrushes clear more plaque, are easier on gums and convenient and easy for anyone to use.
By Daniel Feit, DMD
