Tooth brushing needs our full attention! However, if interest or ability is lacking, an electric toothbrush is a great alternative to a traditional toothbrush. What's the best electric toothbrush? The answer is simple: choose one you like with a design and function that suit your oral care needs. Power brushes use technology to enhance and improve the brushing experience but they may be intimidating to first-time users. Seeking the recommendation of your dentist or dental hygienist is a great place to begin improving your attention to oral health.
Here are some of the benefits and common features of electric models.
Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes
Can you brush effectively with a non-electric toothbrush? The answer is yes and no. Brushing should be done at least twice a day for two minutes using a method that reaches all tooth surfaces. It's easy to skimp on the full 120 seconds, and an electric toothbrush may help to improve your technique and compliance.Arthritis and certain medical conditions may make it difficult for one to grip or handle a conventional brush. An important feature of most electric toothbrushes is a wide, comfortable handle for ease of grip and several brush head designs to fit comfortably into mouths of any size. For example, models for children will have smaller bristle heads compared to toothbrushes designed for adults. Also, the softness of bristles can be customised. If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to opt for softer bristles.
The on/off switches are well-placed and easy to manoeuvre, and many brushes have adjustable power settings. All these features help transform your technique from that of a brusher to a brush positioner – allowing the brush to do the work for you.
Another benefit is improvement in oral health with the use of an electric toothbrush. The action of the bristles may remove more plaque and improve gum health. Studies have been conducted over the years on the efficacy of these brushes. A Cochrane Review of existing studies shows a reduction in plaque and gingivitis after using an electric toothbrush for as little as one month. The reduction in plaque was significant: 11 percent with one month of use and 21 percent after three months. There was also improvement with gingivitis – a 6 to 11 percent reduction after one to three months, respectively. The review concluded that power toothbrushes were more effective than manual brushing in the short and long term.
Features of Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes tend to be either sonic, meaning they vibrate from side to side, or spinning with a rotating back-and-forth action. Some models have a built-in timer that turns off the brush after two minutes. Additionally, they can program with a 30 second beep or indicator that alerts you when it's time to move to another area in the mouth. The rechargeable battery can hold a full charge for weeks, which makes them portable for travel, allowing you to maintain your routine on the road. When choosing the best electric toothbrush for you, look for the following:
- Ease of use
- Comfortable handle with conveniently located on/off switch
- Proper brush size and bristle design to accommodate your mouth
Brushing thoroughly twice a day is crucial for good oral health, and you may find an electric toothbrush more comfortable and easier to use than a traditional brush. If you are considering purchasing one, it's best to seek the advice of your dentist or dental hygienist. He or she can recommend the model that best suits your needs and show you how to use the technology.
Yes, technology and teeth have come together in power toothbrushes and the end result may be a healthy, beautiful smile!
