Electric toothbrushes, sometimes called powered toothbrushes, are popular choices for some people when it comes to dental care at home. They’re easy to use, clean the enamel thoroughly, and leave your teeth feeling fresh. But are electric toothbrushes the best option? Parkcrest Dental Group discusses the pros and cons of electric toothbrushes in today’s blog.
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Pros
Better at Cleaning Dental Plaque
Dental plaque is a hard, sticky substance that builds up on your teeth over time when you don’t brush them. Electric toothbrushes are better at cleaning plaque because of their fast, compact movements. Removing plaque is essential for dental care because plaque contains bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. One study found that electric toothbrushes reduce gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes, which means they are generally better for the health of your gums.
Great for People With Mobility Issues
Do you have arthritis in your hands or trouble holding items? Electric toothbrushes are a fantastic option for people with mobility problems, such as the elderly. Seniors may find this method of toothbrushing more convenient for them.
More Thorough Cleaning
Many electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that last for two minutes. The timer tells you when to switch to lower teeth and when you’re done. This allows you to have a more thorough cleaning compared to manual toothbrushes because it tracks the time for you. Your dental care routine should include brushing your teeth for at least four minutes with a manual toothbrush.
ADA-Accepted Brands
The American Dental Association lists 14 different electric toothbrush products on its Seal of Acceptance list. Look for one of these products when selecting an electric toothbrush for you or your family.
Cons
Cost
Electric toothbrushes cost more. Some models cost $25, while others reach $100. Replacement heads are cheaper than the full electric toothbrush, but the heads themselves are still more expensive than an entire manual toothbrush. These products also come with warranties if they break within a certain timeframe. You’ll have to weigh the costs versus your dental care needs.
Challenging for People With Sensitive Teeth
Electric toothbrushes may offer challenges for people with sensitive teeth at first. Many models have a “beginning use mode” that slowly amps up the power over a couple of weeks. When your enamel gets stronger, the electric toothbrush can increase the pressure gradually for a better clean.
Pro tip: Don’t brush too forcefully, whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush. It doesn’t take much force to brush away bacteria and food particles. Using soft bristles for electric or manual toothbrushes is best.
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Proper Dental Care Tips by Parkcrest Dental
Our team would be happy to show you how to use an electric toothbrush properly! We want you to have the most effective dental care that meets your needs. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call (417) 887-1220 to make an appointment.
