Have you ever looked at your teeth only to see food debris and plaque lodged in between them? Toothbrushing is the most effective method for removing dental plaque. But sometimes it feels as if the little plastic toothbrush just won’t cut it. Whether or not you’ve purchased an electronic toothbrush, you’ve likely considered or may soon consider the perks of electronic toothbrushes. Electronic toothbrushes come with a myriad of features, and the endless options of toothbrush types can simply be overwhelming.
A question that may stop buyers is, “Are electronic toothbrushes actually better for my teeth than manual brushes?” While there are benefits to both toothbrushes, the research argues that the features of electronic toothbrushes make them more effective. This article will address this by discussing the merits of various toothbrushes and which products the research best supports.
History of Electronic Toothbrushes
Most people are familiar with the instructions from dentists to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Did you know that most Americans brush their teeth for only 46 seconds at a time? Many simply don’t realize exactly how long they are brushing. Scientists and doctors have been looking for solutions to fill dental hygiene gaps such as these since 1954. Swiss Dr. Philippe‑Guy Woog developed the first electronic toothbrush called “Broxodent.”
The electricity‑powered brush supported people with limited motor control or periodontal disease by improving their ability to perform hygiene. While modern technology has far expanded that goal, the idea of improving dental health through technology remains the same. Electronic toothbrushes have come a long way from the bulky, corded toothbrush. Understanding the features of electronic toothbrushes helps with purchasing decisions and deepens appreciation for individuals who research dental health improvements.
Cleaning Features of Electric Brushes
It’s hard to stay current with popular toothbrush trends when new toothbrushes look nearly identical to the ones before. The two major types of electronic toothbrushes use oscillating-rotating brushes, or vibrating brushes. Rotating brushes clean the circumference of the teeth while the other uses side-to-side moving vibrations to remove plaque. Electronic toothbrushes with the rotating brush feature have proven to be sufficient at removing plaque and preventing gingivitis.
One major benefit found in both types of electronic toothbrushes is the timer feature. If you struggle to maintain a steady timed routine, an electronic toothbrush could help you maintain a consistent brushing time. A commonly recommended toothbrush is the Oral-B Pro 1000, an electronic toothbrush that balances advanced cleaning features with affordability. Many electronic toothbrushes also come with a warranty lasting up to a year after purchase. Despite the fancy features of electronic toothbrushes, they still require users to replace the brush heads every 3 months.
Bluetooth, Pressure Sensors, and Smart Brushing
The features of toothbrushes are becoming more and more advanced. Some use audio waves to clean teeth, and others send data to your phone via Bluetooth. The general research consensus is that battery-powered toothbrushes are more effective than regular toothbrushes. One contributing factor is a feature called quadrant pacing. This is when a toothbrush will buzz every 30 seconds, indicating when to move to another section of your mouth.
Another one of the cool features of electronic toothbrushes is the ultrasonic toothbrush. Ultrasonic toothbrushes create a vibration so fast that the hum is undetectable by the human ear. Sonic and ultrasonic brushes remove plaque from teeth and gums through vibrations, speed, and fluid pressure. Electronic brushes also come with brush heads that have varying hardness of bristles. Hard bristles can lead to gum recession, while soft and medium bristles work well for daily brushing.
No Batteries, No Breakdown
Although electronic toothbrushes may present the latest features, there are benefits to sticking to tried and true. Manual toothbrushes are versatile because of their simplicity and low maintenance. However, you can forget about all the features of electronic toothbrushes if you happen to forget to charge them. Regular brushes are also quite affordable. In contrast, electronic toothbrushes can be 10 times as expensive as manual toothbrushes.
Just as with any toothbrush, the bristles don’t last forever, adding the additional charge of new brush head replacements. Dentists typically encourage replacing toothbrushes at least once every 3 months. A new toothbrush (or brush head for electric toothbrushes) can remove up to 30% more plaque than a 3-month-old toothbrush. The one exception to manual toothbrushes would be the U-brushes and mouthguard styles, which are less effective than regular toothbrushes.
Getting the Most Out of Your Brushing Experience
Toothbrushing can be as complicated or simple as you want it to be. There is supporting research that the features of electronic toothbrushes result in healthier teeth than manual brushes. This technology, of course, only helps when you actually brush. By far, the best toothbrush is the one you use every day.
Electronic toothbrushes certainly make dental care easier, but regular toothbrushes do an adequate job if used correctly. Selecting a toothbrush with medium bristles removes the plaque more effectively than a soft-bristled toothbrush. Replacing your toothbrush every 3 months, whether a regular or electronic brush head, can help achieve maximum brushing efficiency. Cavities commonly appear in your molars, so ensuring that you brush well in the back can significantly help prevent them. Finding the right toothbrush for you is the first step to flourishing dental health.
What This Means for Your Teeth
Most Americans brush their teeth for only 46 seconds at a time. That means, even if average Americans brush morning and night, the 2 minutes won’t be reached in a day. Brushing your teeth well is essential for preventing cavities and removing plaque buildup. Replacing your toothbrush (or brush head) at least every 3 months can boost the effectiveness of your toothbrush.
If affording an electronic toothbrush is not something feasible or appealing to you, maintaining a daily hygiene routine is crucial. The features of electronic toothbrushes may be new, but regular toothbrushes can still do a good job. Electronic toothbrushes can be higher maintenance, but if it leads to healthier teeth, you might be avoiding a future cavity. The original purpose of electronic toothbrushes was to improve dental health and make daily hygiene easier. The advanced features of electronic toothbrushes can make all the difference. Talk to Schmitt Dental about what toothbrush is right for you by contacting us today!