Electric toothbrushes seem to come in every shape and size, but you might look at the price tag and wonder if it's worth the money. After all, you can buy a manual toothbrush at any corner store for several dollars, no batteries required.
But for many people, it's not that simple. For example, a person with limited mobility may struggle to maintain the proper brushing motion for the full two minutes recommended by dentists.
Dr. Helma Philips, DDS is an experienced dentist in Midtown who can help you decide if an electric toothbrush is a good fit for your dental needs.
What Supports the Effectiveness of Electric Toothbrushes
You can choose from several varieties of electric toothbrushes. The most common is the rotary type, though sonic and ultrasonic are becoming more popular. One recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology followed patients for 11 years and found that electric toothbrush users preserved 20% more teeth than manual brush users.
Researchers also found significant improvement in periodontal health for powered toothbrush users, with less gum infection and tooth decay.
What to Look for in an Electric Toothbrush
If you are interested in trying an electric toothbrush, you should consider the features that might be the most useful for your routine. Here are some constructive examples:
- Timer – For those who find it challenging to brush for the recommended two minutes, many electric toothbrushes come with a timer that helps you keep track. Some even break it into 30-second intervals so you can focus on trouble areas for longer.
- Oversized handle – Most electric versions have a larger handle that houses the battery. But this size also makes it easier to hold for those with a weak grip or other conditions that limit fine motor control.
- Multiple modes – More advanced electric toothbrushes offer several different cleaning modes that adjust the tempo and force of the cleaning brushes. For example, one mode might be gentle for sensitive teeth, while other modes may polish or deep clean.
One thing to remember is that electric toothbrush heads wear out just like manual toothbrushes, so you should always replace them every three months or when the bristles are visibly worn.
Learn More about Electric Toothbrushes in Midtown
Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, the most important thing is that you use it daily and still floss to clean between teeth.
If you have questions about your oral hygiene, our doors are always open. We're happy to schedule a consultation for you today.