GENERAL DENTIST IN ENGLEWOOD: DO YOU NEED AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH?
We see them all along the department store aisles: electric toothbrushes. We hear from our friends that once they purchased one, it completely changed their lives. They could never go back to a manual brush. They’ve never experienced brushing that was so easy before and now they have better oral health because of it. As a result, many people are asking whether they need an electric toothbrush or if a manual one will suffice.
Today, a general dentist in Englewood confirms if you should make the plunge or save your money.
Is an electric toothbrush necessary?
For most people, an electric toothbrush is purely designed to make brushing easier and more convenient. To this day, there is no reason to use it if you’re afraid you’ll develop tooth decay and gum disease if you don’t. A simple, soft-bristled toothbrush and tube of fluoridated toothpaste is really all that matters at the end of the day. As long as you have the right technique, there’s no reason to purchase one for your oral health alone.
But what does proper technique look like? The best way to brush is to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, then move it back and forth across each quadrant of your mouth. Dedicate at least 30 seconds to each corner, making sure to brush the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth. Brush the gum line and the tongue as well. Plaque can develop anywhere in the mouth, so it’s more important to be thorough, rather than use an expensive toothbrush.
Should I still purchase one?
While electric toothbrushes aren’t mandatory for a clean bill of oral health, they do make the process more fun. This is one of the most common reasons people purchase them. Vibrations, whether they be from a rotating head or a sonic-powered brush, convince people that their teeth are being more cleaned than normal, when in reality the vibrations only remove the need for applying as much pressure.
However, if you struggle to brush your teeth using a manual brush, either due to physical or mental impairments, an electric toothbrush can make a big difference.
What should I look for when purchasing?
If you still want to purchase an electric toothbrush, you’ll want to do some comparison shopping first. You don’t necessarily need to purchase the most expensive option available, but you’ll also want one that you can reliably replace the heads for. Most electric toothbrushes come with built-in timers, which help you confirm how long you’ve been brushing and when its time to start brushing a different quadrant.
There are also electric toothbrushes designed for kids, so if it’s time for them to start brushing on their own, it can make brushing more fun. These brushes even play their favorite songs, come in a wide variety of colors and feature their favorite fictional characters.
Electric toothbrushes aren’t mandatory for good oral health, but they just might give you that extra push to commit to daily care. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Englewood to learn more about helpful oral care products!
About the author
Dr. C. Romesh Weerasooriya earned his DMD degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since then, he’s taken over 1,000 hours of continuing education on many dental topics. This allows him to stay updated on the latest oral care products, techniques, materials and treatments in dentistry. To learn more about his practice, you can contact him through his website.