Deciding which toothbrush is best can be confusing with so many styles available, the option of electric toothbrushes and debate over which is best for you. But with correct brushing technique, you can achieve optimal results with either manual or electric toothbrushes.
Electric Toothbrush
The main benefit of electric toothbrushes is that they do most of the work for you, with a power rotation that helps to loosen plaque. Many electric toothbrushes also include an in-built timer to ensure you’re brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. Some of them also provide guidance about where in your mouth you should be brushing to help you make sure you evenly brush all four quadrants of your mouth.
Motorisation is handy for people with arthritis or other health conditions that limit dexterity. The range of variable speeds can also be helpful for people with sensitive teeth and gums and some of the higher-range electric toothbrushes even have a warning light that acts as an alert if you are applying too much pressure. Kids’ electric toothbrushes are great for children who are reluctant to brush their teeth as, for kids, electric toothbrushes seem more fun to use.
Manual Toothbrush
One of the key benefits of manual toothbrushes is that they’re more economical and there’s often a wider variety of options. You can get large, medium or small toothbrush heads. Many manual toothbrushes have a specialised tongue cleaner on the back as well. As they’re smaller, they also pack more easily when you’re travelling.
Many people like manual toothbrushes as they feel they’ve got more control over things like pressure during the brushing process. This is particularly helpful for people with sensitive teeth and gums. Manual toothbrushes are also significantly cheaper than electric toothbrushes, making them much easier to replace.
Manual or Electric – Brushing Technique is Most Important
Regardless of whether you opt for a manual or electric toothbrush, the most important thing is that you brush properly. The whole reason we brush and floss our teeth is to remove plaque – a biofilm of bacteria that tries to attach to our teeth. Brushing too hard can damage the enamel and cause abrasion to the dentin beneath your gum line.
The right brushing technique achieves a perfect balance between getting the toothbrush close to the gum to remove all the plaque from the gum line without pressing too hard and causing damage to the teeth and gums. With both electric and manual toothbrushes, you also need to change your toothbrush or brush head every three months for optimum results.
Book a Consultation Today at King Street Dental
Booking regular dental appointments is another important factor in maintaining good dental health. At King Street Dental, we offer quality general and specialised dental care services in Templestowe. This includes everything from regular check-ups to procedures to remove painful wisdom teeth. Whether you’re after professional teeth whitening or dental implants, you can count on our friendly dental experts.
Book an appointment today by calling 03 9841 8033 or contact us online.