Manual or Electric Toothbrushes: To buzz or not to buzz
One of the most common questions we hear from our patients at Advanced Dentistry by Design is: what kind of toothbrush should I buy? There are dozens of different kinds of toothbrushes, but the biggest debate is between electric and manual. While electric toothbrushes have some great advantages, Dr. Clint Euse, Dr. Kelly Euse, Dr. Randy Wright, and Dr. Matt Lisenby would like to ensure Carson City, NV residents that manual toothbrushes are very effective. If you know how to brush and floss properly, a manual toothbrush can get the job done just as well as a powered brush. To dispel the confusion, we’ve written this article to serve as your guide to manual and electric toothbrushes.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric, or powered, toothbrushes were invented in 1954 to help people who had difficulty brushing and those with orthodontic appliances. Until the 1960s, the only models available were plugged directly into the bathroom outlet. Imagine getting a shock from that! Nowadays they are much safer and can be found at supermarkets, pharmacies, and many other places. They vary in price from less than $10 to more than $100. Here are the three basic types of electric toothbrushes:
1) Vibrating Electric Toothbrushes: these brushes vibrate to break up plaque and stimulate gums. Although they are electric, it is best to brush as if it were a manual toothbrush.
2) Rotating-Oscillating Toothbrushes: these brushes are named for the fact that their bristles move in one direction, then reverse. Research suggests that they may be more effective than other types of toothbrushes. Carson City, NV residents with these types of brushes are encouraged to let their power toothbrush do most of the work, but make sure to get every surface of teeth and gums.
3) Ultrasonic toothbrushes: these are the most expensive brushes on the market. Technically they are considered vibrating toothbrushes, but they vibrate so quickly (at least 2.4 million movements per minute) they emit ultrasonic (outside of human hearing) waves. Manufactures claim that they are superior to other types of toothbrushes, but Dr. Clint Euse, Dr. Kelly Euse, Dr. Randy Wright, and Dr. Matt Lisenby want everyone in Carson City, NV to know that independent research has not found a significant difference in effectiveness between manual and electric brushes.
Despite that, electric toothbrushes have a few distinct advantages:
- They are easy to use for people with limited motor functions, mobility, arthritis, or restrictive pain
- They may be a fun option to get kids to brush their teeth
- Some have built-in timers that help you brush for the recommended two minutes per session
- They may keep users from brushing too hard, which can damage enamel and gums
- 80% of electric toothbrush users believe that switching from manual to powered toothbrushes improved their dental hygiene
Manual
If you are a fan of the good old-fashioned toothbrush, don’t despair! Developing an excellent dental hygiene routine is much less about the gear and all about the technique. If you brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, you’re off to a good start. If you want to be a pro, make sure to use gentle circular motions, brush every surface of teeth and gums (front, back, sides, corners, and chewing surfaces), and don’t forget to floss!
We at Advanced Dentistry by Design pride ourselves on staying informed about all the dental issues Carson City, NV residents may face. If you have a question about toothbrushes, or would like to come in for an appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/ordinary-vs-powered-toothbrushes
http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/101/manual-v-electric-which-is-the-better-brush.aspx
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/5-benefits-of-electric-toothbrushes5.htm