With all the hype surrounding electric toothbrushes lately, the team at our dental office in Danville wanted to take the opportunity to talk to our neighbors about what’s true about those claims of a superior clean, as well as provide a few pros and cons to both electric toothbrushes and their manual counterparts. Let’s start with the truth…
Since electric toothbrushes spin at a rate of about 30,000 strokes per minute it’s easy to believe that they clean better than a manual brushing. But is it true? The answer is a bit complicated.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both electric and manual toothbrushes do the job of removing plaque and bacteria from teeth. However, reports from the ADA also state that effectiveness is more about the way a person uses their toothbrush than whether or not it’s electric. At the same time, studies conducted by electric toothbrush manufacturers claim that patients who use electric toothbrushes report healthier smiles.
Essentially, when it comes to choosing the right toothbrush for you, you should weigh your options, consider your needs, and examine the pros and cons of each.
Pros
Budget friendly
Easy to take on flights and vacations
No charging or changing batteries
Cons
No timer to help brush for the recommended two minutes
May be difficult for some people to use properly
Easy to brush too hard which can cause damage
Electric Toothbrush Pros & Cons
Pros
Easier to use, especially for those with dexterity problems
Often feature a timer
May help following a proper technique easier
Cons
More expensive than manual toothbrushes
Typically bulky which can make storage or travel difficult
Charging required
Overall, you should pick the toothbrush option that fits your needs best. If you’re not sure, talk with your dentist in Danville about what we’d recommend for your specific needs.
