If you’re trying to improve your oral hygiene routine at home, you’re doing something great for your oral health. Along with seeing a dentist for regular checkups, better brushing and flossing means fewer cavities, healthier gums, and less dental work overall. But while you may have heard that an electric toothbrush is a good way to get better results, are those claims true? And which one should you buy? Keep reading below for answers to those questions. You’ll also learn about the differences between various models and how to know which one is best for you.
Will You Get Better Results From an Electric Toothbrush?
Generally speaking, an electric toothbrush will keep your teeth and gums cleaner. However, if you use good technique with a manual toothbrush and you’re really consistent with both brushing and flossing, an electric toothbrush may not be necessary. (If you aren’t sure, you can always ask a dentist or hygienist at your next checkup for a recommendation.)
Having said that, many people don’t use the right technique or only brush for 30-40 seconds (instead of the recommended 2 minutes). That leads to leaving behind a lot of plaque and bacteria, even if you’re brushing twice a day. In these cases, an electric toothbrush can be a big help. Here are some of the advantages they offer:
- They’re more thorough because they automatically stay on for 2 minutes.
- When used correctly, they use less pressure than most people do with a manual. Less pressure is better for your gums and can help prevent gum recession.
- Some models provide feedback to help you angle your bristles the right way or encourage other changes in technique for maximum effectiveness.
- They’re especially helpful for anyone with dexterity issues who has difficulty gripping their toothbrush. Some children also do much better with an electric (particularly those in braces).
Which Electric Toothbrush Is the Best?
There are many excellent options on the market these days, and the one that’s right for you depends on your specific needs (again, don’t hesitate to ask a dentist or hygienist if you’d like some guidance). Here are a few things to think about before making a purchase:
- Cost – There’s a price point to fit everyone’s budget. Some are less than $50 while others are $150 or more.
- Simple or advanced – Spend a little time looking at the features on each model to see if they’d be helpful for you. But keep in mind that advanced settings aren’t always necessary – even a simple model will do better than a manual.
- Round or rectangular head – This is largely a matter of preference, although people who have small mouths or struggle to reach their back teeth often benefit from a round head because it’s easier to maneuver.
- Read reviews – As with any product or service, reading reviews can be really helpful to see what other people think about a particular brand or model.
Most people can benefit from using an electric toothbrush and will have better oral hygiene as a result. Ultimately, that leads to fewer problems and better dental health overall.
About the Author
Dr. Chris Long is a family dentist with more than 15 years of experience and a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He enjoys educating people on how to take care of their teeth and knows that the right tools can make a world of difference. If you’d like to know more about electric toothbrushes or have any questions, he can be contacted via his website.