Brushing twice every day is essential for good oral health – and choosing the right toothbrush is crucial for the practice.
While the ADA approves the use of both electric and manual toothbrushes, in many cases, a powered toothbrush reigns supreme simply because of ease of use; however, that is not the only reason why you should start brushing with it. This automated dental device comes with a host of other benefits, which I will explore in detail in this article.
Here are 8 Reasons To Swap Your Manual Toothbrush For an Electric One
If you’ve been confused about making the switch from manual to an electric toothbrush, look no further. Read on below as I discuss eight reasons why you should ditch the manual option for effective brushing for a brighter smile.
1. Better Cleaning
First and foremost, let’s talk about effectiveness. A toothbrush is only as good as it cleans – and electric ones with rotary or vibratory motion prove excellent in cleaning gums and teeth more successfully.
The micro-movements of electric toothbrushes due to vibrations or oscillations result in better cleaning than manual toothbrushes. This claim is backed by a study, which showed an 11% reduction in gingivitis after three months’ usage. However, if plaque removal is your ultimate concern, go for an oscillating toothbrush rather than a vibrating one.
Another study concluded that using a powered toothbrush may result in cleaner teeth and improved oral health, increasing user focus.
2. Potentially Less Wasteful
It is recommended to replace your toothbrush every three to four months for cleaning efficacy.
Even though there are single-use designs, with an electric toothbrush, you have the option to go for one with replaceable brush heads. This will help create less waste as you will only have to replace the head rather than the entire toothbrush, as you would with a manual one.
Since most toothbrushes are made with plastic, choosing a powered toothbrush could result in less plastic waste in comparison.
3. Improved Oral Health With Orthodontic Appliances
Many people with orthodontic appliances like braces find it difficult to maintain good oral health. However, according to a study, electric toothbrushes help people with orthodontic appliances brush their teeth more effectively because of their ease of use.
One thing to note is that people with good dental hygiene did not notice a difference in plaque levels regardless of the type of toothbrush used. Despite that, if you are struggling to maintain a clean mouth with orthodontic appliances, a power toothbrush can make the practice much more straightforward.
4. Easy to Use
An electric toothbrush does the work for you. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each. Powered toothbrushes come with built-in timers that you can set for consistent cleaning resulting in improved oral health.
With a powered toothbrush, you can choose a brush head design that belts out anywhere between 2500 to 7500 rotations per minute on average. Moreover, some designs alert you to switch to another side of your mouth at the thirty-second mark. Some designs also initiate when it is time for brush head replacement. You can also connect a few models with your smart devices via an app to keep track of your oral health. All these features prove helpful in keeping our oral health in check and overall better brushing experience.
5. Excellent Choice For Limited Mobility
For people with limited mobility, like those who suffer from developmental diseases, arthritis, or carpal tunnel, a powered toothbrush is a godsend as it requires minimal to no manual effort.
Most of the work is done by brush head on its own, thereby making it easy for the user to maintain good oral hygiene without exerting themselves.
6. Different Brush Heads For Varying Results of Choice
Another advantage of an electric toothbrush is that you can use it for various purposes – all you have to do is switch to a suitable brush head or change available cleaning modes. You can choose different brush heads and modes for other purposes like tongue cleaning or brushing sensitive teeth.
You can also choose a rotating brush head for plaque removal or deep cleaning mode with extended cleaning time. All you have to do is change brush heads or alternate modes according to your cleaning needs.
7. Increased Gum Safety
According to a study, there is a higher chance of brushing too hard or for too long with a manual brush as it does not give you the option to optimize clang time and pressure. With a powered device, pressure sensors alert you when you are too vigorously cleaning your teeth, resulting in increased gum safety.
In addition to consistent pressure and timing, an electric toothbrush also delivers constant power, which is impossible with a manual toothbrush. All in all, these optimizable features make a powered toothbrush a safe option for gum and teeth health with no risk of bleeding or irritation.
8. Fun Way To Promote Dental Hygiene in Kids
Let’s be honest about it; electric brushes are fabulous with lots of varying features – like a tune for optimal brushing time. This engaging way of brushing comes in handy to encourage children to brush their teeth regularly.
Oral hygiene is of utmost importance, and electric brushes make it that much easier (and fun) to instill this habit in children from a tender age.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth the Price?
Some people might argue that you can get the job done with manual brushes, which are a much cheaper option than electric brushes. At the same time, electric brushes indeed cost more than their manual counterparts; their benefits moot the price point argument.
The ability to time your brushing sessions, change the intensity according to your needs and use varying modes with consistent cleaning overall presents a much better brushing experience. You can also use the battery and main body of the electric toothbrush for about five years on average and just replace the brush head. Moreover, optimal oral health can contribute to better overall health, saving you money in the long run over expensive medical procedures.
Major Takeaway
Electric toothbrushes are excellent tools for improved oral health. With their easy-to-use customizable features, you can ensure optimal teeth cleaning as recommended by ADA. The automatic function makes it easy to time your brushing sessions and provides consistent power and motion, which is impossible with a manual toothbrush.
Moreover, people with movement issues and orthodontic appliances find it much easier to use a device that requires minimal effort for dental health upkeep. So, all in all, electric brushes are most definitely worth the money.
