All your life you’ve used a standard, manual toothbrush. You remember standing alongside siblings who were waiting their turn to use the sink. Meanwhile, you stayed focus on honing your technique that sticks with you to this day. Now that you’re older (and can buy things on your own) it’s worth figuring out if an electric toothbrush is worth the money or if the old fashioned manual brush works just as fine.
Your dentist in Lawrenceville is wondering the same thing. That’s why he’s made choosing a toothbrush straightforward and easy to understand. Keep reading to find out which one you should purchase.
How to Properly Brush Your Teeth
Regardless of the toothbrush you use, you won’t get anywhere without a proper bushing technique. Your daily oral care regimen should include brushing for two minutes twice a day. Make sure to use a fluoridated toothpaste as it’s needed to prevent cavities and fight against gingivitis. Consider the 2-2-2 rule to help you remember to brush twice a day for two minutes. The additional two signifies how many visits you should visit the dentist a year.
While brushing, use soft, short strokes to remove plaque and leftover food debris. Brush along your gum line to prevent your gums from becoming inflamed or contracting gum disease in the future. After tackling your mouth, brush the back of your tongue in short, controlled strokes. Pulling the white biofilm off will significantly reduce the amount of bad breath you have, so finish your brushing with this habit.
Now that we know the proper technique, let’s see how manual and electric toothbrushes compare.
The Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes
To some people, electric toothbrushes are more fun to use. The vibrations act as a massager for your mouth, breaking down plaque and food debris at an accelerated rate. Electric toothbrushes are meant to simulate what professional dentists use (but don’t think you can avoid dental cleanings because you use an electric toothbrush.)
If you are not as dexterous as most people, an electric toothbrush may be a better option. The rotating heads provide between 6,000 and 30,000 strokes per minute, making each individual tooth easier to brush. Just be prepared to replace your toothbrush head every 3 months or until the bristles begin to significantly fray.
How Do Manual Toothbrushes Differ?
Manual toothbrushes let you control every aspect of how you brush. If you have more sensitive areas in your mouth that would be negatively affected by an electric toothbrush, a manual toothbrush would definitely be the best option.
Additionally, manual toothbrushes are much cheaper and easier to come by. There are no batteries to replace or accessories to accompany its functions. If you prefer a more controlled brushing experience without the maintenance of an electric toothbrush, you’ll be fine with this option.
Still not sure which brush is right for you? Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lawrenceville today to get a professional opinion. Also, make sure to schedule you next dental cleaning to see how a pro does it!
About the Author
Practicing dentistry since 1985, Dr. Bruce E. Carter has gained extensive knowledge and training on many dental treatments. After graduating from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, he completed the Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum Level II at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. He’s also accumulated over 1,000 hours of continuing education so he can provide his patients the best quality care possible. To learn more about his practice, contact him at (770) 995-7616 or visit his website.