Since you will spend about 1,000 hours of your life brushing your teeth, you want to find the one that works well and that you enjoy using. Unfortunately, with so many choices of electric and manual toothbrushes, it can confuse you and seem impossible to find the best one. However, if you keep a few key points in mind, the process can become much more straightforward.
What Matters About Toothbrushing
The American Dental Association (ADA) identifies the essential elements of proper tooth brushing as:
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Brush your teeth two times each day.
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Brush your teeth for two minutes each time.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Use a toothbrush that fits your mouth.
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Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
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Use fluoride toothpaste.
The Proper Tooth Brushing Technique
It is essential to brush correctly to make sure you clean all the surfaces of your teeth. Using the proper brushing technique can also help prevent damaging your teeth and gums. The best toothbrushing technique includes:
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After moistening your toothbrush with water, place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush head.
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Gently place the bristles against your teeth near the gum line at a 45-degree angle.
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Use a soft stroke and move the brush in a circular motion to brush the outside of each tooth.
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Move around your mouth until you clean all the outside surfaces.
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Move your toothbrush to the inside of your teeth and use the same technique.
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Use a gentle back and forth motion to brush the tops of your back teeth.
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Brush your tongue to remove bacteria that cause halitosis.
The Pros and Cons of Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes come with many features that you might find helpful in keeping your teeth and gums clean. While anyone can benefit from an electric toothbrush, children, and older adults with conditions such as arthritis, find them especially beneficial.
The Pros
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Superior plaque removal
Recent studies show that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and reduce gingivitis more than manual brushes.
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Easy to use
Electric toothbrushes do the work for you. Instead of you creating the cleaning motion, the electric toothbrush cleans your teeth with its rotating or vibrating action.
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Built-in timer
Most people overestimate how long they brush their teeth. The built-in timer lets you know when you’ve brushed for two minutes. Many brushes alert you every 30 seconds to move the brush around your mouth.
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Pressure sensor to help protect teeth
The newer electric toothbrushes signal when you use excessive pressure while brushing.
The Cons
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More expensive
Electric toothbrushes cost more and will eventually need replacing. Additionally, replacing the brush heads every few months costs more than replacing a manual toothbrush.
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Requires charging
Electric toothbrushes need a source of power for charging to keep working.
The Pros and Cons of Manual Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes have stood the test of time. They remain a popular and effective way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
The Pros
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Cost
Most stores sell affordable manual toothbrushes.
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Control
When you brush with a manual brush, you maintain control of speed and pressure. Therefore, you can easily adjust how long you brush and adjust the pressure while brushing.
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Convenience
Manual brushes require little space and don’t require charging.
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Maintenance
Manual toothbrushes don’t break and require simple cleaning to keep them working properly.
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Travel
The best travel option is a manual toothbrush that requires little space and can be used anywhere.
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Varieties
You have many choices of brush head size, bristle stiffness, grips, and color when choosing a manual brush.
The Cons
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No built-in timer
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Requires more effort
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Easy to brush with excess pressure
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
When choosing a toothbrush, it comes down to personal preference. You can maintain healthy teeth and gums with a manual or electric toothbrush. Once you decide on manual or electric, follow these guidelines to get the best results:
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Use a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
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Only brush with soft bristles.
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Brush with toothpaste approved by the ADA.
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Never brush with worn or broken bristles.
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Have regular dental exams and professional teeth cleaning.
Schedule an Appointment
Trident General Dentistry can help you choose the best toothbrush for you. Schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!