You’ve probably heard the buzz about electric toothbrushes, and maybe you’re wondering if they work better than manual ones. The short answer is yes—but not for all people, and not for all reasons. Electric toothbrushes are a great choice for some folks, but not others. Here’s what you need to know:
Electric Toothbrushes Reduce Plaque
Electric toothbrushes clean teeth more thoroughly than manual ones do. This is because they have a rotating head that can reach areas that are hard to clean with a standard manual brush, like between the teeth, crowns, and under the gum line. They also remove plaque from the tongue, which is important for preventing bad breath.
Electric Toothbrushes Reduce Gingivitis
If you’re not familiar with the term, gingivitis is a condition in which plaque—a bacterial film that forms on your teeth—gets underneath your gum line. This plaque can irritate the gums and cause them to be inflamed and bleed easily. Electric toothbrushes have been proven to reduce gingivitis by improving your brushing technique and helping you reach hard-to-clean places like between teeth or along the gum line.
Electric Toothbrushes Protect Against Cavities
Electric toothbrushes are better than manual for removing plaque. Electric toothbrushes remove 30 percent more plaque than manual brushing, with a statistically significant difference between the two types of brushes after just four weeks of use.
There Might Be Some Drawbacks to Electric Toothbrushes
People who don’t have any difficulty using manual brushes may not see much benefit to switching over to an electric toothbrush. People with arthritis, limited dexterity, or small hands could find it difficult to get the same amount of force from a manual toothbrush as they would from an electric toothbrush.
As you can see, many factors go into deciding whether or not to buy an electric toothbrush. While some people do prefer them over manual ones and find them easier to use, others might be better off sticking with their traditional model.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a manual toothbrush or an electric one, it’s important to remember that there are many different types and brands. Each product is unique in its own way, with different features and benefits.
At Litchfield Dental Associates, we can give you all the information you need about the type of toothbrush you should use to brush your teeth. Our team will take the time to get to know your unique needs and decide the best things you can do to keep your teeth clean, glowing and happy!