Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?

How much do you think about the toothbrush you use when brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtime? Probably not a lot, but you should, as some toothbrushes are undoubtedly better than others at cleaning the teeth most efficiently. What about electric toothbrushes – are they actually better than manual toothbrushes, or are they not worth the money? Find out everything you need to know here! 

What Are Electric Toothbrushes?

As the name suggests, they are toothbrushes that run electrically. They are powered by a rechargeable battery and, when switched on, create rapid movements of the bristles (as well as a humming noise). There are plenty of different electric toothbrushes on the market, with sonic toothbrushes offering the highest speeds. 

Are Electric Toothbrushes Better than Manual Toothbrushes?

Yes – studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones when it comes to removing plaque. Plus, there’s a reduction in gingivitis and tooth loss in those who use electric toothbrushes. They are capable of removing more plaque and pieces of food in between the teeth, which means the user is less likely to experience dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. 

Are Electric Toothbrushes Suitable All the Time?

Not necessarily. While it’s true that electric toothbrushes provide a much deeper clean than manual ones, some situations may require a manual brush instead – here are some examples. 

For Young Children

For young children, an electric toothbrush will do more harm than good. When your little one’s first teeth come through, always use a gentle baby toothbrush to clean their teeth. It’s recommended that kids don’t begin using an electric toothbrush until three years old, but you can wait a little longer if you’d prefer. Also, remember that children should always be supervised while brushing their teeth until they are around six years old, electric toothbrush or otherwise. 

When Money is an Issue

A manual toothbrush is better than no toothbrush. Electric brushes come with a higher price tag, so if that’s currently an issue for you, simply opt for a manual toothbrush. Learning to clean your teeth properly with a manual brush will do your teeth a lot of good! 

When You Need Absolute Convenience

If you travel around a lot, you might find a manual toothbrush makes more sense. That’s because electric toothbrushes are naturally a lot bulkier. Plus, you’ll need to find a suitable socket to recharge the battery. If you’re camping, for example, the chances are you won’t find a place to recharge your electric toothbrush, so having a manual one on hand would be better. 

Can Electric Toothbrushes Damage the Teeth?

You might think that electric toothbrushes may damage the teeth because of the high-speed motor movements. The good news is this is not the case. When you use an electric toothbrush properly when brushing your teeth, your teeth, gums, and mouth should not be damaged in any way. Of course, you may damage your teeth if you brush too harshly, but that can be just as much of a problem with a manual brush. 

How to Effectively Use an Electric Toothbrush

To make the most of an electric toothbrush, here are some tips to use it effectively: 

Find the Best Electric Toothbrush

Your first step is using the right electric toothbrush. If you have sensitive teeth, you will want to choose a soft bristled brush head to fit on top. You should also look into the speed – some people prefer high-speed sonic electric toothbrushes, so consider that if you want the most effective clean. Some of the best electric toothbrush brands are Oral-B, Philips, Ordo, and Colgate. 

Use for Two Minutes at a Time

You should use your electric toothbrush for two minutes at a time, just as you would with a manual toothbrush. Many electric toothbrushes come with a timer inside, so they will stop the motor once two minutes have passed, making it easy to always brush your teeth for the right duration. 

Hold on Each Tooth at a 45 Degree Angle

Your electric toothbrush will only work effectively if it gets to clean each tooth. You’ll need to hold the brush on each tooth for 3-5 seconds at a 45-degree angle. Doing this should take you two minutes in total. 

Keep Your Mouth Closed

For the high-speed electric toothbrushes, try to keep your mouth closed for the duration of the brushing time. The reason you should do this is that you don’t want the toothpaste flying out of your mouth! Plus, it keeps the water inside for a smoother brushing experience. 

Don’t Forget About a Good Toothpaste

It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush with an electric one, but what about the toothpaste? That matters, too! Ideally, use a toothpaste that caters to your specific needs; for example, if you have sensitive teeth, use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Always use a toothpaste containing fluoride, too, as this will help protect your oral health and remove plaque. 

Replace the Brush Head Routinely

Don’t worry – you won’t need to purchase an entirely new electric toothbrush every six months. That would be very costly! However, you should replace the brush head every three months so that it stays as effective as possible. You can usually buy electric toothbrush heads in bulk so that they are more cost-efficient (and you won’t have to remember to run to the store!). 

Electric Toothbrushes: A Step Up from Manual Ones

Your oral health will greatly improve when you use an electric toothbrush, so consider buying the right one and using it daily. You’ll find your mouth feels a lot cleaner, and your dentist will likely notice the improvement in your teeth and gums! It’s a worthwhile investment. 

Are you looking for a new family dentist? Perhaps you want a highly-rated dentist in your area that provides services like teeth cleaning and whitening. If so, you’re in the right place, as we have a talented, friendly team here at BAFDentistry, and we are always happy to take on new patients. Contact the team today!