If you look at any advertisements for electric toothbrushes, you will notice that the ads make a lot of claims. In most cases, manufacturers of electric toothbrushes either imply or outright state that their electric products will clean better than manual models. But is this true?
The fact is, even the experts are in disagreement. Researchers from the Universities of Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Sheffield have found that while rotating-oscillating head electric toothbrushes provide plaque-removing capabilities than manual toothbrushes, most electric toothbrushes are in fact no better at removing plaque than their far less expensive manual counterparts. On the other hand, other studies published in the American Journal of Dentistry and the British Dental Journal found that electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque and reducing gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. The American Dental Association has also recommended electric toothbrushes for people with physical limitations.
Before you rush out and spend anywhere from $20 to more than $100 on a fancy electrical toothbrush, though, do consider:
- Brushing technique is at least as important as what you brush with. Brushing up on your technique may help you more than switching toothbrushes. Good brushing with a manual toothbrush is better for your oral hygiene than brushing hurriedly with an electric toothbrush. If you need a refresher on how to brush, ask your Santa Monica dentist at your next appointment.
- How you feel about electric toothbrushes? Do you enjoy the way brushing with one of these toothbrushes feels? If so, and if it will encourage you to brush more regularly, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. If not, continue to do a good job with your manual brush.
- How long do your brush your teeth? Most dental professionals advise that everyone needs to brush twice a day for at least two to three minutes, but many brushers do not brush this long or that frequently. If you do not brush this often or for this long, getting an electric toothbrush will not help you cut corners. You should buy the toothbrush that will help you brush regularly.
- How are you doing with your current brush? Ask your Santa Monica dentist about how effective your brushing is. If you are not doing the task well with a manual toothbrush or with an electric toothbrush, for that matter, switch the type of brush to see if you can improve.
- Do you have manual dexterity problems or physical problems, such as arthritis, that might make it difficult for you to hold onto or maneuver manual toothbrushes? This is one situation where an electric toothbrush can be a real help, since it allows you to get in more places inside your mouth without your having to adjust your hand and wrist as much.
Remember: No matter what brush you use, you still need to visit your dentist regularly. Make an appointment with West LA Dental today to see one of our friendly, helpful dentists.