Are Electric Toothbrushes Better? Actually, in most cases, electric toothbrushes are thought to be superior to manual toothbrushes in terms of keeping teeth clean and eliminating plaque.

Almost everything has a “smart” version these days, including lightbulbs, household appliances, vehicles, and more.

It might be difficult to determine which technologically advanced options are merely nice-to-haves and which ones actually improve your life in a world where they are widely available.

First Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes were first developed in 1954, and the early 2000s saw a spike in their use. They’re more well-liked than ever right now. But do they actually have an impact on how well your teeth are cleaned? Yes in most cases, electric toothbrushes are thought to be superior to manual toothbrushes.

Electric vs. manual toothbrush

Research indicates that electric toothbrushes are superior to manual toothbrushes in terms of cleaning teeth, which can help ward off gum disease and cavities.

But first, let’s go back a little. The main goal of brushing is to remove dirt and plaque from your teeth.

But specifically why? A sticky substance called plaque builds up on your teeth and releases acid, which erodes tooth enamel and leads to cavities and tooth decay.

In addition, plaque can aggravate your gums and result in gingivitis, a precursor to periodontal disease. Plaque can turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist, if it is not removed.

Fun for kids

Not every child enjoys cleaning their teeth. An electric toothbrush can aid in proper dental hygiene and the development of healthy habits if it appeals to your child more.

Harmless to gums

When used correctly, an electric toothbrush should not damage your teeth or gums but rather improve your dental health in general.

Electricity is used by electric toothbrushes, which are usually run on a rechargeable battery, to move a small brush head quickly. Stepka says, “This quick movement cleans your teeth and gums of plaque and debris.”

Types of electric toothbrush

Technology for electric toothbrushes mostly comes in two flavors:

Oscillating-rotating technology

Denotes that during cleaning, the brush head revolves and spins. This was the first type of electric toothbrush available, and the first study to demonstrate its superior cleaning power over manual brushes was conducted in 2005.

Sonic technology

Employs sonic and ultrasonic waves to vibrate while you brush. Certain models enable you to gradually improve your brushing habits by using Bluetooth to transfer data about your brushing habits and technique to a smartphone app.

Benefits of electric toothbrush

In general, utilizing an electric toothbrush can assist maintain the health of your teeth and gums and help you practice better oral hygiene.

“When utilizing an electric toothbrush, I’ve seen patients who have had trouble with at-home care have an overall decrease in plaque, tartar, and stain,” adds Stepka. “I believe that patients are brushing for longer periods of time due to the two-minute timers that many of these brushes have in addition to the brush being more effective.”

Electric toothbrushes provide the following benefits:

A more reliable clean:

“Thousands of strokes can be produced by an electric toothbrush in a minute to remove plaque from your teeth,” says Stepka. “However, the speed at which your manual toothbrush operates is limited by your hand.”

Specialized features:

In order to assist you brush correctly and for the necessary length of time, many electric toothbrushes come equipped with built-in functions like timers and  pressure sensors. Certain models provide various brushing modes, which may be beneficial for those with delicate gums or teeth.

Usage ease:

Those with restricted dexterity or hand movement may find it easier to use electric toothbrushes because they perform the majority of the brushing chore for them, according to Stepka.

Disadvantages of electric toothbrush

Like anything, there are a few possible drawbacks to take into account. According to Stepka, the primary danger of using an electric toothbrush is the same as that of a manual toothbrush: the potential for overuse.

Stepka cautions that while you might believe that brushing harder will make your teeth cleaner, doing so can instead wear down your gums and tooth enamel.

Ouch! However, some electric toothbrush models have pressure sensors that might help ensure that you’re not causing this kind of harm while you brush.

Other drawbacks include:

Price:

The expense of owning an electric toothbrush is more than that of a manual toothbrush because they need new brush heads around every three months.

Discomfort:

The feeling of the brush moving in their mouths bothers or unnerves certain people. This can be particularly valid if you struggle with sensory processing.

Electricity

Although it might seem obvious, power is needed for electric toothbrushes to function! This implies that if you don’t have access to a dependable power source, as when traveling, it can be difficult or impossible to recharge them.

Should we use an electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes can undoubtedly improve your dental hygiene in general. But don’t worry if you’re not in the market for this kind of purchase just now.

Stepka asserts, “You don’t need an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth effectively.” “A manual brush will work wonders if used correctly and for the suggested two minutes of brushing.”

In order to more easily reach behind your last teeth, always choose a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles, and go for one with a relatively tiny brush head.

Are you unsure if you’re brushing correctly? Never be afraid to seek advice from your periodontist, dentist, or dental hygienist. They will be pleased to assist you in, well, brushing up on your skills to avoid tartar and plaque. Are Electric Toothbrushes Better