boy with toothbrushes

More Money Fewer Cavities? Are Electric Toothbrushes Better or Just More Expensive?

Did you know that children smile up to an astonishing 400 times each day? As we grow older, we tend to smile less, especially if we aren’t happy with the condition of our teeth. You may have wondered if using an electric toothbrush would help your whites to look a little pearlier.

Are electric toothbrushes better at cleaning teeth and sprucing up our smile? Wonder no more! Read on for a breakdown of electric toothbrushes vs. manual ones.

First, One Caveat

Let’s get one thing straight: according to the American Dental Association, you can do a perfectly respectable job of brushing your teeth using a regular old toothbrush. It doesn’t need to have fancy bristles or an ergonomic shape. Nor does it need to vibrate!

The important thing that you need to remember is to brush a minimum of two times per day, for two minutes each time. Also, it’s important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, when the bristles are visibly frayed or damaged, or after you have had a cold.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit your dentist for regular cleanings!

The Advantages of Using an Electric Toothbrush

Using an electric toothbrush does come with a few advantages. One review of existing studies crunched the numbers and found that electric toothbrushes have been found to remove more plaque from teeth.

Remember that plaque is that sticky, bacteria-ridden film that can remain on your teeth after eating and drinking. Unless it is properly and adequately brushed away, plaque can result in gingivitis. That’s an inflammation of the gums that can lead to additional dental problems.

Gingivitis has also been linked to a increased risk of cardiovascular issues, so it’s important to get rid of plaque. And there’s evidence that electric toothbrushes can help people do this more effectively.

Toothbrushes with Built-In Timers

That two-minute duration we talked about earlier? Two minutes might not sound like a long time, but it’s longer than you might think.

The next time you brush your teeth, set a timer on your phone to see how long you usually brush. If you are ready to stop brushing before that two-minute mark, chances are you’re doing your oral hygiene a disservice!

One great advantage of electric toothbrushes is that they often come with built-in timers. You don’t have to keep track yourself, and you’re still getting the most thorough brushing sesh.

Electric Toothbrushes Are User Friendly

Since they do most of the work themselves, it can be easier for some people to use this type of brush. That’s especially true for:

  • People with developmental disabilities
  • Arthritis sufferers
  • Those with carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Individuals who wear braces

With a manual toothbrush, it’s easy to brush your teeth too vigorously. That can actually cause more harm than good!

So…Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?

Well, it depends. Some people don’t like the vibrating feeling, or the fact that electric brushes can create more saliva. And these brushes can be pricey.

For those who have difficulties brushing their own teeth, or who aren’t sure they remove as much plaque as possible on their own, the answer to “Are electric toothbrushes better” is often a resounding “yes”!

If you use an electric toothbrush, we’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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