The Benefits of Using an Electronic Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The hot topic of whether an electric toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush always crops up. However, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), both manual and electric toothbrushes effectively clean your teeth and remove plaque, which is a major cause of gum disease and tooth decay.

 

While both may be effective, it’s no surprise that an electric toothbrush can make your oral health routine easier day-to-day. Check out some of the benefits of using an electric toothbrush and see how using this brush style could improve your oral hygiene.

10 benefits of using an electric toothbrush

1. Potentially more effective at removing plaque

 

Power toothbrushes have brush heads that vibrate or rotate to improve the removal of plaque. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes do this more effectively than a manual brush with rotating heads working better than vibrating products.

2. Built-in timers

 

It is often suggested brushing for around two minutes is an excellent way to clean the whole of your mouth thoroughly. However, when using a manual brush, it’s harder to get this exact timing. Many electric toothbrushes have minute timers and alert you with a pulse. This is great for getting the optimum brushing time during your oral health routine.

3. Pressure sensor to care for teeth and gums

 

Some models, such as the Sonicare toothbrushes range, have built-in pressure sensors to alert you when you are brushing too hard. If you brush too hard, it can affect your gum health and cause irritation. With an electric toothbrush, this sensor will tell you when to ease off when brushing.

4. Ideal for people with limited mobility

 

Many people suffer from hand and wrist issues, and using a manual brush may contribute to more stress in this area. Using an electric toothbrush is ideal in these instances. As you don’t have to move the brush too much, it allows individuals with limited mobility to brush correctly as it does most of the work for you.

 

An electric toothbrush is ideal for people who suffer with:

 

• Arthritis
• Disabilities
• Carpal tunnel

5. Encourage good oral health in kids

 

Getting a child to brush their teeth can be a challenging task. However, with an electric toothbrush, it might be a little easier. This type of toothbrush is more engaging than a manual one, and there are lots of kid’s electric toothbrushes to make the process more fun. Some examples include toothbrushes that sound a tune while brushing to encourage optimum brushing time. While others have soft bristles, so it feels more comfortable on their teeth.

6. Consistent power delivery

 

The process of manual brushing depends on your hand and arm motion. This action may not deliver a constant and consistent technique compared to an electric toothbrush. With a power toothbrush, you get the same motion throughout the brush (unless it’s near battery depletion). To put it in perspective, the average electric toothbrush delivers around 30,000 bristles movements a minute, while this is not possible for a manual brush.

7. Less waste in the long term

 

Another benefit of using an electric toothbrush is it causes less waste. Many manual toothbrushes are thrown away after use, and most are made with plastics, which are detrimental to the environment. It is also recommended you change your toothbrush around every three months as the bristles become soft and less effective at removing plaque. This can mean an individual buys approximately four toothbrushes a year and throws them in the bin after use.

 

With an electric toothbrush, the heads can be changed without discarding the entire body of the toothbrush. It is a small change compared to disposing of a whole toothbrush, but it is a positive one nonetheless. The main body and battery of an electric toothbrush also last an average of 3-5 years.

8. Different brush heads for different results

 

The interchangeable brush heads, as mentioned above, also give you the option to choose different brush heads depending on what you want to achieve. Some electric toothbrush heads are ideal for whitening effects, while others have rotating modes to get a deep clean. Some heads are also perfect for those with sensitive teeth, and others have specialized surfaces for brushing your tongue.

9. May save you money in the long term

 

While the cost of an electric toothbrush is relatively inexpensive, the benefits in cost savings could come from fewer larger issues that need to be resolved by your dentist. Brushing your teeth regularly and removing plaque build-up will help reduce cavities and problems such as gum recession. Most insurance companies cover routine checks and some treatments. However, more considerable treatments may incur extra charges, so ensuring you keep your oral health in tiptop condition can reduce these. Your local dental services can advise on the best oral routine to improve your overall health for the future.

10. Boost your confidence

 

One of the most significant benefits of using an electric toothbrush is the confidence you feel when you know your teeth and gums are healthy. This brush provides a deep clean and gum care to prevent issues with oral health in the future. If you’re looking to achieve a bright white smile, a cosmetic dentist can also provide advice and treatments to get perfect results. Your local Asheville dentist is happy to help; contact us for more information.

 

There are lots of benefits of using an electric toothbrush over a manual one. Plus, you’ll find lots of suitable options to incorporate into your oral health routine. The more advanced electric toothbrushes now have everything from Bluetooth connectivity and smart features to timers and oscillating heads. It can be challenging to pick the best toothbrush for your needs, but researching the features and ensuring it fits your needs is essential. Electric toothbrushes are also available in a range of different price brackets, so everyone can find the perfect option to get a good brush.