Electric toothbrushes are everywhere these days, from expensive models that are designed to use with apps for your smartphone to more affordable options that send replacement brush heads and batteries in the mail every three months. You see them in magazines, on commercials, and even hear about them during ad reads on your favorite podcasts, but are they really worth the cost? How can they be that much better than a manual toothbrush?
Here are the top three reasons to upgrade to an electric toothbrush.
Electric Toothbrushes Mean Cleaner Teeth
If you brush twice a day for two minutes using proper technique, manual toothbrushes will do the job. That said, electric toothbrushes have the added benefit of oscillation and vibration, which removes plaque and food particles much more effectively than their manual counterparts.
Many people who upgrade to electric toothbrushes are impressed by how clean and smooth their teeth feel compared to when they used a manual brush. It’s not just anecdotal evidence that backs electric toothbrushes, either. Studies in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, the Journal of the International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, and the Journal of Clinical Dentistry all show that electric toothbrushes do a better job when it comes to removing plaque than regular manual brushes.
Electric Toothbrushes Have Features to Help You Brush Better
The oscillation and vibration are the most significant advantages of electric toothbrushes over manual toothbrushes, but there are additional benefits as well, offering even more value. Depending on your budget, you can purchase a brush that:
- Has a timer to tell you when you’ve brushed for two minutes.
- Vibrates every 30 seconds to remind you to brush all four quadrants of your mouth.
- Has sensors to let you know when you’re brushing with too much pressure and potentially damaging your gums.
- Reminds you when to change your brush head.
Is it necessary to have all of these features? Certainly not! They are, however, convenient to have, and they do help you remember that just brushing your teeth isn’t enough—you need to do it well to get results. If you’re not sure which features you should look for, ask us during your next comprehensive oral evaluation appointment.
Electric Toothbrushes Do It All
A single electric toothbrush can be programmed for a variety of oral health needs. These options aren’t must-haves, but they can be useful if you have some specialized concerns. Pre-programmed settings may include:
- Teeth whitening
- Sensitive teeth
- Gum health
- Deep cleaning
- Tongue cleaning
The most advanced electric toothbrushes on the market today even connect with apps you install on your phone so you can track how long and how well you’ve brushed each day.
A Word About the Cost of Electric Toothbrushes
The expense of electric toothbrushes is a concern for many of our patients, but you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to improve your dental health. Even the inexpensive battery-operated brushes you can pick up at your local grocery store or pharmacy are an upgrade from a manual brush. The movement of the bristles loosens and eliminates plaque, which is the most important benefit of electric toothbrushes—and this can be found at every price point!
Learn More About Electric Toothbrushes
If you’d like to learn more about choosing an electric toothbrush, contact us today at 240-813-9111 to speak with one of our dentists.