Many of us understand the importance of excellent oral hygiene. It decreases tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, and teeth staining. But often I am asked if an electric toothbrush is more effective than manual toothbrushes and if they are worth getting.
Manual toothbrushes have been traditionally used and widely accepted. They are easy to use, small enough to travel with, and very affordable. With manual toothbrushes, you have more control over the amount of pressure you put on your teeth and gums. With electric toothbrushes, you may be placing too much pressure without realizing it.
It’s important not to place excessive pressure because it may cause tooth wear and gum recession. Tooth wear and gum recession can lead to tooth pain, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of cavities. To avoid this, look for an electric toothbrush with multiple speed settings and a pressure sensor.
With multiple speed settings, you can increase and decrease the power of the electric toothbrush. Your dentist and hygienist are able to tell you where you have the most dental plaque built up around your teeth. So they are able to recommend areas of the mouth where additional cleaning with higher speed setting is needed. They are also able to detect areas where tooth wear and gum recession are occurring. These are areas you want to consider turning the power of the electric toothbrush down, to prevent further damage.
You also want your electric toothbrush to have a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor activates and displays a light or vibration when you are placing too much pressure on your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes even stop brushing if the pressure sensor is activated.
Electric toothbrushes are also especially useful for those who are older with limited movements in their shoulders, arms, and hands. Certain medical conditions, such as Arthritis or Parkinson’s, make it extremely challenging to effectively brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush.
Electric toothbrushes have been becoming increasingly popular. They have become safe and effective, as more features have been added to them. They have multiple speed settings, pressure sensors, and brush timers. Some electric toothbrushes are even able to sync with your phone via Bluetooth, and you can view all areas of the mouth you properly brushed and any areas you missed!
We brush our teeth to remove the plaque which negatively affects our oral health. Plaque removal can be achieved with either a manual or electric toothbrush. While manual toothbrushes do a great job cleaning your teeth, some of the newer electric toothbrushes with all the features discussed may take your oral hygiene to the next level. For that reason, I recommend going with an electric toothbrush.