Brush up on the Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

We love it when patients ask us questions about dental care and dental hygiene. Lately we have had many patients asking about the benefits of using an electric toothbrush versus a regular toothbrush. While our primary concern is teaching you how to brush and floss correctly and consistently, we do think it is important that you know about the tools you have available to help keep your teeth their sparkling best.

Electric Toothbrush Studies

In 2015 Consumer Reports analyzed the results of toothbrush research conducted by the independent, international evidence-based research organization, Cochrane. Their review gave the edge to electric toothbrushes based on their ability to reduce dental plaque and gingivitis more effectively. Since more dental plaque is dislodged in a much shorter period, it’s certainly more efficient and time-saving than the manual approach. Other conditions where it makes sense to use an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one include:

• People who have difficulty brushing because of dental braces.
• Those with arthritis or others who have difficulty gripping and manipulating a manual brush often find it is easier to simply move an electric toothbrush around the mouth and let the appliance do the work.
• It can sometimes be easier to convince children to brush with an electric toothbrush because it is just more “fun.” Their naturally short attention spans make it difficult to use a manual brush for the time necessary to achieve maximum benefit.
• Those who are already in the early stages of gum disease may find that an electric toothbrush is a helpful addition in the fight against plaque.
• It can be useful in removing light stains or preventing recurrent staining after a professional dental cleaning.
• Patients with crooked or misaligned teeth or those that have already been corrected through restorative or cosmetic dental services often find that an electric toothbrush is more helpful in completely cleaning all existing tooth surfaces.

The reported benefits of switching from manual to electric are impressive. The American Dental Association surveyed 16,000 patients who switched, and found that over 80 percent of the respondents experienced improved oral cleanliness.

Electric Toothbrush Options and Usage

A great smile can give your self-confidence a boost because it is one of the first things we notice about each other. To make the best impression, you want to take good care of your teeth. An electric toothbrush can help accomplish your oral care goals with no fuss or muss. If you’re thinking about getting a rechargeable electric toothbrush to play a role in your daily dental care, you have several options:

• A rotating, oscillating brush with heads which spin swiftly in one direction and then the other
• Vibrating brush heads
• Powered brushes with bristles that move side-to-side or in different directions, but don’t rotate
• Brushes that emit a mild electrical charge, a sonic wave, or an ionic burst designed to remove plaque

Other options may include brushing timers or special modes for gum massage, sensitive teeth, and dental whitening. If you’re not sure about how hard you need to brush, there are some units with pressure sensors that help you find the right pressure point. Our dental team can help evaluate the type of brush and bristle that is best for you, and show you how to use an electric toothbrush properly.

You’ll still need to brush at least twice daily and commit to spending at least two minutes brushing at each session. Simply position the brush at the proper angle against your teeth, and let it do all the work. Move it around your mouth, making sure you get behind and around all tooth surfaces. Similar to manual toothbrushes, we also recommend that you change the electric toothbrush head at least every three to four months to ensure proper brushing action, but now there are even sensors that tell you when it’s time for a change!

If you want to keep your teeth, you’ve got to take good care of them. Brush up on the benefits of electric toothbrushes, learn to use dental floss properly, visit your dentist in regularly, and we’ll help you keep those pearly whites shining. Williams and Daily Dental sells adult and child Oral-B Electric toothbrushes in their office; pick one up during your next visit!