Brushing your teeth is the foundation of having good oral hygiene, and with that, most of you must be wondering which is more effective? A manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush? The American Dental Association or ADA says that both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective when it comes to removing food debris and plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Both kinds of toothbrushes have their own benefits, but in case you’re eyeing switching to an electric toothbrush, here are some of its benefits. Ask a professional if you need to learn more about Brush Baby.
- An electric toothbrush has built-in timers – Having this feature can help motivate you to brush your teeth long enough to remove plaque from your gums and teeth.
- It is recommended for people with limited mobility – Technically, electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, which is why they are helpful for people with limited mobility, such as developmental disabilities, carpal tunnel, and arthritis.
- Electric toothbrushes are more effective when it comes to removing plaque – According to some studies, electric toothbrushes help eliminate more plaque and gingivitis causing germs compared to manual toothbrushes. Rotating or oscillating toothbrushes also works better compared to just vibrating toothbrushes.
- Electric toothbrushes may cause less waste – When you’re using manual toothbrushes, you tend to throw them away after six months and buy a new one. But when it comes to electric toothbrushes, you will only have to replace its head in many cases, which shows that it may be less wasteful than throwing away an entire manual toothbrush. But, if you’re using a single-use electric toothbrush, you will have to replace it when it’s worn out completely.
- Electric toothbrushes may help you improve your focus while brushing your teeth – According to research, people tend to be more focused when they are brushing their teeth using an electric toothbrush. Being more concentrated means you have time to enjoy the experience of brushing your teeth and can potentially improve the way you clean your teeth.
- Electric toothbrushes are safe for gums – When you use them properly, electric toothbrushes are safe to use, and they will not hurt your gums or enamel.
- Brushing with electric toothbrushes can be a fun experience especially for kids – Let’s admit, not all kids are enthusiastic about brushing their teeth. Giving them electric toothbrushes can help them be more engaged and interested in cleaning their teeth and gums. It is a fun way to teach them how to brush their teeth, promote good oral cleaning, and set healthy habits.
- Electric toothbrushes can help improve the oral health of people with orthodontic appliances – One study shows that electric toothbrushes are helpful for people with orthodontic appliances like braces because they help to brush easier. That is why if you have braces or other orthodontic appliances and you find it hard to clean your mouth, we suggest that you try using an electric toothbrush.
- Electric toothbrushes help stops you from brushing too hard – Most of us tend to brush our teeth too hard, and unfortunately, it does not help to make our mouth cleaner. In fact, it can cause serious injury to your gums. Not only that but brushing your teeth too hard can also remove the enamel. Electric toothbrushes prevent you from brushing too hard because they do all the work for you.
- Electric toothbrushes last longer – Electric toothbrushes can last longer compared to manual toothbrushes. Most electric toothbrushes can last for over a year. However, keep in mind that you have to change the brush head at least once every three months to assure quality and effectiveness.
How to Use Electric Toothbrush Effectively
Most electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer that usually lasts for two minutes. This feature can help you make sure that you are spending enough time brushing your teeth. Some models of electric toothbrushes make a sound every thirty seconds to signal you that you should switch to another section of your mouth. Which is why if you’re brushing your teeth using an electric toothbrush, you should divide your mouth into five sections and these are:
- The chewing surfaces of your teeth
- Behind your back teeth
- The front of your teeth
- Your tongue and the roof of your mouth
- The back of your teeth
When you’re using an electric toothbrush, you do not need to scrub or press hard while brushing. All you have to do is gently glide the toothbrush along as it do the scrubbing. Some electric toothbrush model has a pressure sensor feature that will let you know if you’re pressing too hard. Aside from that, you should also remember to angle the bristles correctly by tilting the electric toothbrush slightly toward your gums then along the outside of your teeth. After that, move to the inside and do the same technique then finally clean all the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Check out ElectricToothbrushHQ for more useful insight on how to use an electric toothbrush.
Keep in mind that the size of the electric toothbrush’s head depends on the size of your teeth and it should be able to brush one tooth at a time. Whether you’re using an electric or manual toothbrush, you should take your time while brushing your teeth and make sure you clean them thoroughly.
Along with using your electric toothbrush properly, you should always keep your electric toothbrush clean and well-maintained by replacing the head when necessary and storing it in a cool and clean place.
Whether you prefer to use a manual or electric toothbrush, you still have to focus and make sure that you clean your teeth and gums properly, as both kinds of toothbrushes effectively clean your teeth. But overall, electric toothbrushes can help to brush easier and offer better plaque removal. If you have more questions regarding which toothbrush is the best for you, we suggest that you consult your dentist for more information.