It’s that time again. The bristles have gone soft. You need a new toothbrush. Will this time be the time you decide to switch from a manual to an electric toothbrush? Choosing the right one can be difficult, but we’re here to help.
MEET THE ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
Will you switch to an electric toothbrush? Or do you prefer a manual toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes, once a high-priced novelty, have risen in popularity over the past few years. And although they still cost more than manual toothbrushes, users say they’re worth the investment.
WebMD says the electric toothbrush’s 6,000 to 30,000 strokes per minute appear to offer more cleaning power per dollar spent than a manual toothbrush. One manufacturer conducted a study, asking more than 16,000 manual toothbrush users to switch to an electric toothbrush. The results were published in the March 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association:
When asked to monitor their patients’ progress, the dental professionals said the powered brush had a positive effect on the oral health of more than 80% of the patients. Most participants reportedly said their oral health was better after using the device.
ELECTRIC VS. MANUAL – BETTER OR JUST DIFFERENT?
Electric toothbrushes have their drawbacks. Replacing batteries and brush heads can be expensive and time-consuming. Electric toothbrushes are expensive to replace if broken or lost. Some users — especially young children — have expressed sensitivity to the vibration and buzzing sound made by electric toothbrushes. But electric toothbrushes are easier to use: less manual scrubbing is required and some electric brushes run on a timer, letting you know when you’ve brushed long enough.
While manual toothbrushes lack the frills of their electric counterparts, they’re low cost and will keep your teeth clean when used properly. If you’re not sure which type of toothbrush you’d prefer, some manufacturers offer low-cost electric brushes that combine the buzzy cleaning power of an electric toothbrush with the familiar feel and look of a manual toothbrush.
Ultimately, dentists agree that regular brushing and flossing — whether manual or electric — is the key to good dental health.
Catonsville Dental Care
Regularly seeing your Catonsville Dental Care dentist will help to determine if your child’s dental routines need modifications. For more information on pediatric dental care as well as other preventative dental care services, call Catonsville Dental Care today! Call today at 410-747-1115, or submit any questions by visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
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