We all know that brushing the teeth can remove food and plaque from the teeth and gums; it also cuts down on tooth decay, gingivitis and other gum disease. An electric toothbrush can do all this and more. A study comparing those who used an electric toothbrush to those using a manual toothbrush showed that while the manual brush did an acceptable job, the electric toothbrush cleaned comparably better.
Not only does the electric toothbrush move quicker for a deep down tooth cleaning, it also gets under the gums, reducing gingivitis. In addition, an electric toothbrush is ideal for those suffering from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other painful or debilitating conditions. Because the rotating electric toothbrush head does all the work, the person doing the brushing doesn't have to constantly move the hands, wrists or arms back and forth to brush.
In addition to noticeably whiter and visibly cleaner teeth, the owner of an electric toothbrush has fresher breath than someone who manually brushes. This isn't to say that the person using a manual toothbrush automatically suffers from bad breath, but statistics show an electric toothbrush cleans better. When the mouth is cleaner, the breath is fresher.
Those who own a manual toothbrush tend to brush harder than those in possession of an electric toothbrush. While this is normally considered a good thing, it's important to note that if teeth are brushed too hard, the tissue covering the gums can become damaged. An electric toothbrush requires less pressure, leaving gum tissue with minimal damage from brushing.
Most people who brush manually have the best of intentions. However, their brushing removes food and plaque only from the very surface of the teeth and gums. An electric toothbrush, on the other hand, penetrates more than the top layer, ensuring maximum plaque removal and an all over clean mouth.
In most cases, the type of toothbrush one uses is a matter of preference. As long as you have good brushing habits and floss at least once daily, your teeth will be healthy whether you choose an electric toothbrush or one that's manual.
Proper oral hygiene is important for reducing the build-up of plaque and to avoid painful cavities, tooth decay, gum disease that may cause serious health problems, and costly dental bills. When choosing the best toothbrush, softer bristles are usually recommended over firm ones. Consider whether you prefer manual brushing or an electric, vibrating cleaning tool, as there are many options available. Selecting the appropriate size for your mouth is also important to be sure you can reach all of your teeth easily.
When it comes to your toothbrush, its size and shape make a difference. For instance, if the head of the brush it too big, it may be difficult for you to reach your back teeth. Also, certain varieties, usually made for travel, may have shorter handles, and that can sometimes make them difficult or uncomfortable to use. Many times, a toothbrush with a rubber grip can make it easier to hold than the ones without it.
The head of the toothbrush has multiple bristles. The firmness of these filaments is usually indicated on the package. Dentists generally recommend that you choose a soft to medium variety, as opposed to firm bristles, because you can actually compromise the enamel of your teeth if you brush using too much pressure. Using vigorous motions may also damage your teeth.
An electric toothbrush is an alternative to a traditional manual type. Some varieties may keep your teeth cleaner. They are believed to be more effective at removing plaque than manual versions, especially those with oscillating bristles that move in circular motions as well as back and forth. The removable heads on these models usually require replacement every three months. The cost of these toothbrushes may be considerably more than others.
As another option, you can choose a disposable, battery-operated, vibrating toothbrush. This type usually lasts about three months and is much more affordable than high-tech brushes. In fact, there are some brands priced comparable to the manual toothbrush.
For kids, there are many versions, both manual and electric. When choosing a toothbrush for a child, you want to make sure that the handle is easy for little hands to hold, and the brush head is small enough to reach all surfaces of the teeth.