Here is Why You Should Be Using an Electric Toothbrush
Almost everything has a “smart” version these days, including lightbulbs, household appliances, vehicles, and more. It might be difficult to determine which technologically sophisticated options are merely nice-to-haves and which ones actually improve your life in a world where they are widely available.
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Electric toothbrushes were first developed in 1954, and the early 2000s saw a spike in their use. They’re more well-liked than ever right now. But do they actually have an impact on how well your teeth are cleaned?
Actually, in most cases, electric toothbrushes are seen to be superior to manual toothbrushes in terms of keeping teeth clean and eliminating plaque. Denise Stepka, RDH, a dental hygienist, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using an electric toothbrush.
Manual vs. electric toothbrush
Research indicates that electric toothbrushes are superior than manual toothbrushes in terms of cleaning teeth, which can help ward off gum disease and cavities.
But first, let’s go back a little. The main goal of brushing is to remove dirt and plaque from your teeth. But specifically why? A sticky substance called plaque builds up on your teeth and releases acid, which erodes tooth enamel and leads to cavities and tooth decay. In addition, plaque can aggravate your gums and result in gingivitis, a precursor to periodontal disease. Plaque can turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist, if it is not removed.
Electricity is used by electric toothbrushes, which are usually run on a rechargeable battery, to move a tiny brush head quickly. Stepka says, “This quick movement cleans your teeth and gums of plaque and debris.”
Technology for electric toothbrushes mostly comes in two flavors:
The brush tip oscillates and rotates during cleaning thanks to oscillating-rotating technology. This was the first type of electric toothbrush available, and the first research to demonstrate its superior cleaning power over manual brushes was conducted in 2005.
Sonic technology vibrates your toothbrush using ultrasonic and sonic waves. Certain versions enable you to gradually improve your brushing habits by using Bluetooth to transfer data about your brushing habits and technique to a smartphone app.
Electric toothbrush advantages
In general, utilizing an electric toothbrush can assist maintain the health of your teeth and gums and help you practice better oral hygiene.
“When utilizing an electric toothbrush, I’ve seen patients who have had trouble with at-home care have an overall decrease in plaque, tartar, and stain,” adds Stepka. “I believe that patients are brushing for longer periods of time due to the two-minute timers that many of these brushes have in addition to the brush being more effective.”
What electric toothbrushes provide is as follows:
An increasingly dependable clean: according to Stepka, “Electric toothbrushes can produce thousands of strokes per minute to remove plaque from your teeth.” “However, the speed at which your manual toothbrush operates is limited by your hand.”
Specialized features: To assist you in brushing correctly and for the necessary length of time, many electric toothbrushes come equipped with built-in timers and pressure sensors. Certain models have various brushing modes, which may be beneficial for those with delicate gums or teeth.
Simpleness of usage: According to Stepka, “people with limited dexterity or hand mobility may find it easier to use electric toothbrushes because they perform the majority of the brushing work for them.”
Use of an electric toothbrush has risks.
Like anything, there are a few possible drawbacks to take into account. According to Stepka, the primary danger of using an electric toothbrush is the same as that of a manual toothbrush: the potential for overuse.
Stepka cautions that while you might believe that brushing harder will make your teeth cleaner, doing so can instead wear down your gums and tooth enamel. Ouch! However, some electric toothbrush models have pressure sensors that might help ensure that you’re not causing this sort of harm while you brush.
Other drawbacks include:
Cost: The cost of owning an electric toothbrush is more than that of a manual toothbrush since electric toothbrushes need new brush heads about every three months.
Discomfort: For many individuals, the feeling of the brush moving within their mouth is unsettling or uncomfortable. This can be particularly valid if you struggle with sensory processing.
power: Although it might seem obvious, power is needed for electric toothbrushes to function! This implies that if you don’t have access to a dependable power source, as when traveling, it can be difficult or impossible to recharge them.
Is using an electric toothbrush appropriate?
Electric toothbrushes may undoubtedly improve your dental hygiene in general. But don’t worry if you’re not in the market for this kind of buy just now.
Stepka asserts, “You don’t need an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth effectively.” “A manual brush will work wonders if used correctly and for the suggested two minutes of brushing.”
In order to more easily reach behind your final teeth, always use a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles, and go for one with a relatively tiny brush head.
Are you unsure if you’re brushing correctly? Never be afraid to seek advice from your periodontist, dentist, or dental hygienist. They will be pleased to assist you in, well, brushing up on your skills to avoid tartar and plaque.