Choosing the right toothbrush can improve your oral health. While your dentist at Fioritto Dental will be happy to make recommendations for your dental healthcare needs, many people still wonder if electric toothbrushes clean teeth better than their manual counterpart.
Generally, the answer is yes: electric toothbrushes make it easier to clean food debris from your teeth and gums. Here’s what you should know when you’re in the market for a new toothbrush.
How electric toothbrushes improve your dental hygiene
There are two primary reasons why using electric toothbrushes are better for your oral health:
- They can remove more food particles from your mouth
- They help teach proper brushing
An electric toothbrush’s moving head helps to capture and clear away food debris. Models with oscillating heads are the most effective, but most electric toothbrushes are a step up from manual toothbrushes. While you can still maintain good oral health habits with a manual toothbrush, electric has a slight edge.
Electric toothbrushes are also a great way to ensure you’re brushing properly. Unlike manual toothbrushes, which need to be physically moved back and forth, and up and down to be effective, electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you. No need to worry about applying the right amount of pressure, or how best to move the toothbrush to be most effective. Electric toothbrushes allow users to simply position the brush head over the tooth and gum surface, and the oscillating brushes will do the rest of the work. This is particularly helpful for people with limited mobility.
Some electric toothbrushes even come with a built-in timer. The timer will ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes. The built-in timer is also ideal for parents trying to instill good dental habits for their children. Finally, some toothbrushes come with special attachments to make brushing easier for those with braces.
How to choose an electric toothbrush
When it’s time to buy a new toothbrush, consider whether the size is right for you. It’s important to choose a brush that fits comfortably in your mouth, or else it won’t be as effective. Next, look for a brush with soft bristles. Hard-bristled brushes can strip the enamel from your teeth.
Ultimately, toothbrush choice is based on personal preference. What’s most important is that you brush at least twice a day regardless if a manual or electric toothbrush is in your mouth!
Finally, check to ensure the toothbrush is approved by the American Dental Association. The ADA Seal of Acceptance indicates that the toothbrush is considered safe and effective for its intended use. To schedule your next dental checkup, reach out to Fioritto Family Dental today.