Most people are well aware that they should brush their teeth at least twice each day—in the morning upon waking and before turning in for the night. If you peruse the oral health aisles at local shops, you can quickly see that there is a seemingly endless number of toothbrushes that can do the job for you. From the plain old manual toothbrush that hasn’t changed much in decades to the new electric and electronic devices, which one is best for optimal oral health?
According to the Australian Dental Association, brushing technique is crucial for effective brushing—and that technique usually improves with the use of an electric or electronic toothbrush. At our Katoomba, NSW dental clinic, we encourage patients to use an electric toothbrush over a manual for a number of reasons.
#1—An Electric Toothbrush Usually Means You Will Brush Longer
The ADA recommends that you brush your teeth for a full two minutes, morning and night. Most electric toothbrushes come with built-in timers to ensure you are cleaning your teeth for the full amount of time. It’s too easy to squirt on some toothpaste and scrub back and forth for 30 seconds with a manual toothbrush. A timer can provide some needed accountability.
#2—An Electric Toothbrush Can Do a Better Job of Removing Plaque
The vibrating and rotating motions of many electric toothbrushes tend to be more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush.
#3—An Electric Toothbrush Provides an Advantage for Those with Limited Mobility
Because an electric toothbrush does most of the work for you, it can make brushing easier if you have issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel, or developmental disabilities.
If you’re unsure of what kind of toothbrush to get, we welcome your enquiries at our Katoomba, NSW dental clinic. We want to help you achieve your best possible oral health, and we are happy to recommend the best tools for the job. We look forward to welcoming you.
