Everything you need to know to make the switch to an electric toothbrush:

Electric toothbrushes have been gaining popularity since the 1990s and are recommended by most dentists. Here are some of the benefits of switching to an electric toothbrush:

  • Electric toothbrushes require less physical effort to operate, making them easier to use and a preferred method of oral hygiene for many. This is especially true for those with arthritis, physical disabilities, or for small children.
    • Parents can be better assured that their children are getting better quality cleaning with an electric brush than with a manual brush, even if their child hasn’t mastered the tool or technique themselves.
  • Electric toothbrushes come with multiple modes or settings for all dental situations, including but not limited to:
    • A standard setting that applies the recommended tooth brushing pressure and speed
    • A setting designed specifically to be gentler on those with sensitive teeth or gums
    • A gum massaging setting to soothe gums and help prevent gum disease, gingivitis, and bad breath
  • Electric toothbrushes provide better oral hygiene because they administer many more strokes per minute than could ever be had with a manual toothbrush.
    • If you really want the most brush strokes per minute, be sure to invest in a Sonic Electric Toothbrush. These are more expensive than regular electric toothbrushes but produce 30,000 to 40,000 brush strokes per minute as opposed to the 3,000 to 7,500 strokes per minute of lower-end electric toothbrushes.
  • Most electric toothbrushes are equipped with a timer to assure that you are brushing your teeth for the recommended two minute length. Different timers work in different ways, including but not limited to:
    • Brushing speed slows down after two minutes have passed, signaling completion
    • Turning off automatically after two minutes
    • Buzzing gently or making a sound after each of four 30 second intervals
    • Some brushes even sing to you for the duration of your two minute brushing cycle!
  • Electric brushes are softer on your gums and inner cheeks. Because the brush does all of the work, you are less likely to over-vigorously brush your teeth, which is a problem known to cause damage to gums and inner cheeks, including dangerous gum recession.
  • Electric brushes are proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. Again, Sonic Electric Toothbrushes do an even better job at this than regular electric toothbrushes.
  • Most electric toothbrushes come with multiple sizes for the head, providing smaller options for those with smaller mouths or who need to pay special attention to harder to access teeth, like wisdom teeth.

Some things to remember when you make the switch to an electric toothbrush:

  • There are two options for your electric toothbrushes, rechargeable and battery operated.
    • Rechargeable electric brushes are more expensive than those that are battery operated, but they provide stronger and more frequent vibrations. You also don’t have to worry about the batteries running out!
    • Be sure to replace the head of your electric toothbrush about every three months. This is necessary more so for the ware that happens to the bristles of the toothbrush than any germs that may accumulate.

Now that you know the facts, consider trading your manual toothbrush for an electric one. If you are interested in making the switch, call our office for more information or let us know at your next appointment. We would be happy to make our recommendation of electric toothbrushes to you!

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