Do I Need An Electric Toothbrush?

Do you need an electric toothbrush? Do you come in for six-month cleanings and leave every appointment with a perfect report? If so, a manual toothbrush is obviously working well for you. Keep up the good work! But what if your gums bleed a little at home, or even just at your dental visits? What if the hygienist tells you there's a little more plaque than she'd like to see? What if you have sensitive teeth? Gum recession?

For most people, an electric toothbrush is a very wise investment. It is almost guaranteed that your next dental checkup will be seen as an improvement after implementing an electric. First of all, the bristles of an electric are able to move faster than you will ever get with a manual, and are able to remove plaque and bacteria with a minimal amount of pressure. Many people inadvertently brush too hard, causing gum recession and sensitivity. If pressed too hard, an electric toothbrush will actually stop working to protect the gum tissue. The movement of the bristles is able to produce a deep cleaning that extends between the teeth and under the the gumline. This also makes them convenient for people with braces. They remove stain better than a manual toothbrush, allowing teeth to look brighter. An electric toothbrush can also make dental care easier for people with arthritis or strain injuries in their arm, hand, and shoulder. Finally, most people actually brush for a longer period of time when using an electric toothbrush. It is recommended that you brush for a full two minutes, and electrics include a timer to keep you on track.

There are several electric toothbrushes on the market. Which one is right for you is mainly a matter of preference. We recommend both the Philips Sonicare, and the Oral B Triumph. Brush size and shape, and the movement of the bristles varies between the two, but they are both excellent upgrades from a manual. The most important thing to remember when upgrading to an electric is that your brush heads need to be changed every three months. Other than that, let the toothbrush do all the work! If you have any questions about switching to an electric toothbrush, call our office. We all use them!

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