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November 21, 2017Is It Time for a Toothbrush Swap?
December 28, 2017Advertisements for electric toothbrushes are becoming more common, with the toothbrushes touting an increasing amount of features. The big question is: are they really that much better than their manual counterpart?
The Effectiveness of the Manual Toothbrush
The short answer to whether manual toothbrushes are as effective as electric ones is “they can be.” Although manual toothbrushes can provide an equal clean as electric toothbrushes, it is in specific cases.
If you are brushing using the correction motions for 2 minutes, twice daily, and flossing at least once a day, manual toothbrushes are as effective as electric ones. However, it’s common that individuals don’t brush for the recommended time or are not using the most effective brushing motions, which is where the electric toothbrush can provide great benefits and are therefore often recommended by dentists.
Advantages of an Electric Toothbrush
One excellent feature of electric toothbrushes is the built-in timer. Most electric versions will automatically oscillate for the recommended two minutes. The motion of the electric toothbrush is also superior to the average human movement of manual brushes, which can leave electric brush users with a cleaner feeling mouth. According to a study from Braun Oral-B, electric toothbrushes users reported improved oral health, and 80% of dental professionals agreed with the improvements.
Who Benefits Most from Electric Toothbrushes?
Although electric toothbrushes may benefit everyone, specific individuals may experience more benefits than others. For example, for those with arthritis, Parkinson’s, or other movement-limiting diseases, the automated movement of the toothbrush is very important. It can also make a big impact on brushing for kids, by making brushing more fun and by keeping them brushing for the recommended amount of time.
If you’re considering switching from a manual to an electric toothbrush, ask Dr. Leonard for his recommendation during your next visit. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 952-443-3368.