Introduction
Many people think that an electric toothbrush can be more effective than a manual toothbrush, is there any validity to this believe?
Dental professionals recommend brushing 2 times a day, the most important is before bed at night and again in the morning for optimal oral health. This article explains if an electric toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush by comparing their use, effectiveness and influence on overall oral health.
Electric vs Manual Toothbrush
Electric toothbrush- pros
- Usally cleans better
Many studies indicate that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and minimize gums inflammation more effectively as compared to manual toothbrushes. Specially ones with rotating and sonic technology.
- Easier to use
Electric toothbrushes are easy to use. Motions happens automatically and electric brushes guide it around your mouth.Electric brushes are good for
- People with limited dexterity.
- People who find brushing difficult for a full 2 minutes.
- Automatic timers
Automatic timer in electric toothbrushes help to ensure you brush sufficient.some are equipped with pressure sensors to avoid brushing too hard.
Electric toothbrush-cons
- More expensive than manual brushes because of initial cost and replacement heads.
- Require charging or batteries
- Replacement brushes head cost more than manual brushes.
Manual toothbrush-pros
- Affordable and commonly available
- No charging or electronics
- Require no batteries
- Easy to travel with
- Function effectively if you brush
- Brush for atleast 2 minutes
- Brush twice a day
- Proper technique (Modified bass technique)
Manual toothbrush-cons
- Difficult to maintain regularly with time
- People usally brush too hard or miss some areas
- Lack a timer and tech feedback
Brush for atleast two minutes
Electric toothbrushes comes with automatic timer which allowing the user to aware the duration of their brushing, unlike manual brushes. The alternative option for tired and lazy childrens are using an egg timer or playing 2 minute long song but this option is not always convenient.
Brush softly
Use a gentle brushing motion to protect your gums and enamel. Many people tend to brush hard which cause gum inflammation, bleeding from gums, tooth enamel damage and cause gums receding , which is irreversible. Some electric toothbrushes have a sensor and feature colored light indicator to guide brushing, if too much pressure applied electric toothbrushes emits colored light, indicating use to brush more softly. People who use manual toothbrushes frequently need to pay extra attention to brushing technique.
Apply proper brushing technique
There are many well-known tooth brushing techniques available but most dental professionals recommend the modified bass technique.
Modified bass technique is a gentle brushing method in which toothbrush bristles are angled 45 degree along the gums and use small circular or vibratory movement to remove plaque without harming the gums. This technique is possible with manual toothbrushes but easy with electric toothbrushes that rotates and oscillates.
Effectively brush difficult-to-access areas
Reach hard to clean areas of your mouth for optimal oral health. Clean those areas that are difficult to clean on a regular basis which may result of plaque accumulation, tartar and food buildup all of which are ineffective for good oral health and for fresh breath. Electric toothbrushes with small heads such as oral-B round oscillating head reach and clean tight areas. With manual toothbrush spend extra time on the back teeth to clean these areas effectively which tends to plaque accumulation. Use circular movements, allow the cheeks to relax and offer extra space to toothbrush.
Dexterity problems
For those who struggle with dexterity problems, medical conditions like arthritis, parkinson,s or people those lacking dexterity as result of stroke, an electric toothbrush is a better choice than a manual toothbrushes. It can make brushing easier, more effective and less effortful. Electric toothbrush enable the user to allowing the toothbrush do the work for them, as long as the brush covers the entire mouth.so, effective tooth brushing can be accomplished even with poor dexterity with help of electric toothbrushes
What to look for
When selecting an electric toothbrushes these aspects helps most with dexterity problems:
- Larger, economic handle
- Rechargeable handle
- Automatic timers with section alerts
- Soft bristles
- Lightweight design
How to use the electric toothbrushes
Here is a simple technique that is effective
- Put toothpaste on the toothbrush and rinse the bristles
- Turn on the brush before making contact with your teeth
- Move it gently from tooth to tooth
- Brush all sides of the teeth (Front, back, chewing surfaces)
- Avoid applying too much pressure. Allow the bristles to get between teeth and along the gumline.
Tips for any toothbrush
- Use soft bristles
- Brush for atleast two minutes
- Change brush after every 3 months or earlier if bristles split.
- Do not brush too hard
- Clean your gums gently
Conclusion
In conclusion electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and reduce gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes. If you use a manual toothbrush properly with soft bristles, two minutes each time and twice a day, it can work extremely well.
Excellent and effective tooth brushing is achievable with both manual and electric tootbrushes but electric toothbrushes simplify the brushing process and main advantage of electric toothbrushes is that you don,t need to replace electric toothbrush after every 3 months. You just have to replace the toothbrush head. In conclusion, the most effective toothbrush is the one you,ll use consistently and correctly.