3 Key Benefits Of An Electric Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is a powered teeth cleaning tool that allows you to brush your teeth with less movement of your hand. There are many different types and they range in price from less than $10 to $200. An electric toothbrush may have a rotating head or one that simply moves back and forth. Some use replaceable batteries and others need to be charged.
Is an electric toothbrush worth it? Are there advantages to using an electric toothbrush over a manual brush? Consider the 3 key benefits of an electric toothbrush to help you decide if you should get one for yourself and your family to help you maintain your dental health.
1. More Effective Plaque Removal
The goal of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film of food residue and bacteria that clings to your teeth. When it is not brushed away, the bacteria will gradually eat away at your tooth enamel, creating cavities. Plaque that remains on the teeth for too long can result in gum disease, where the bacteria infects the gum tissue.
Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque from the teeth than manual toothbrushes. They also require less effort to be effective.
2. Even Pressure When Brushing
Electric toothbrushes move on their own, which allows them to deliver an even amount of pressure over all of your teeth and your gums. When you brush manually, you have to control how hard you brush. Brushing too hard can cause your gums to recede, or pull away from the teeth. With an electric toothbrush you simply move it across your teeth while the brush does the work. It is more consistent than manual brushing.
3. Built In Timer
Another important aspect of effective teeth brushing is time. It is recommended that you brush your teeth for 2 minutes at a time. Mentally divide your mouth into 4 quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left) and spend 30 seconds on each section. Electric toothbrushes often have a built in timer that will keep them running for 2 minutes and pulse at 30 second intervals.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Good For Children?
Electric toothbrushes can help children brush more effectively. The timer helps them brush for an adequate amount of time and removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush. Some parents find that by having their children brush manually once a day and use their electric toothbrush once a day, they learn both techniques while ensuring that their teeth are getting clean.
Does an Electric Toothbrush Eliminate the Need for Dental Visits?
Just because you are using an electric toothbrush doesn’t mean you can skip your regular dental appointments. It is still important that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by a dentist every 6 months. An electric toothbrush is not as effective as professional dental tools used by a trained dental hygienist and dentist.
Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge Provides Family Dentistry
We are a family dental practice in Stockbridge, Georgia providing dental services for patients of all ages. If you have questions about dental care, we offer the answers and support your need to help your family maintain your dental health.
To learn more, call 770-389-0389 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.