The Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush

When it comes to brushing your teeth, it’s most important to your dentist in Clyde that you do it twice a day. However, choosing which type of toothbrush to use can be confusing. While both electric and manual toothbrushes can get the job done, when it comes to keeping your teeth clean, there are some advantages of using an electric toothbrush.

• May Be More Effective

While the jury is still out on whether or not electric toothbrushes are officially better at removing plaque and bacteria, studies have shown that this just may be the case. Since electric toothbrushes pulse at such a fast rate, they can flush out hard-to-reach areas. 

• A Two-Minute Timer

Your dentist in Clyde recommends that everyone brush their teeth for two minutes every single time. This is best broken out into 30-second increments for each section of your teeth – the lower left quadrant, upper left quadrant, lower right quadrant, and upper right quadrant.  However, it’s really easy to lose track of time and cut a brushing session short. Most electric toothbrushes have built-in timers to help guide you through a thorough, two-minute cleanse. 

• Under Pressure

Many patients believe that the more they scrub their teeth the cleaner they’ll be. However, using too much pressure to brush your teeth can actually cause more harm than good. A tough scrub can weaken tooth enamel and also cause gum recession. Some electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors to keep you from brushing your teeth too hard. 

• Easy To Use

Some people, such as those with mobility problems or arthritis, may find a traditional manual toothbrush too hard to use properly. However, with an electric toothbrush, the brush does most of the work for you so you can still get a good, clean mouth. 

• Consistency is Key

Did you know that you may be using different levels of pressure to brush different areas of your mouth? In fact, it’s not uncommon to brush the first section of your teeth harder than that last section. An electric toothbrush can help keep a consistent pressure in all areas of your mouth, ensuring an even clean. 

Some Disadvantages

It wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t also talk about some potential disadvantages to using an electric toothbrush, so let’s take a look at a few. 

• Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual toothbrushes
• If you’re someone who travels a lot, some electric toothbrushes can be hard to pack 
• They require regular charging which can be inconvenient for some people
• If you don’t use the toothbrush properly, it can damage your teeth and gums, just as a manual toothbrush can

Selecting the best toothbrush for you can seem intimidating, however, your dentist in Clyde is here to help. Schedule an appointment today!

About The Author

Dr. John M. Highsmith

Dr. John M. Highsmith boasts advanced training in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is one of only five accredited members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in North Carolina, a diplomate of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow at the Misch Implant Institute. He is affiliated with the American Dental Association, the Western NC Dental Society, and the NC Dental Society. Dr. Highsmith pursued continuing education courses at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Education and served as a clinical instructor there, teaching his dental peers modern techniques in cosmetic and functional dentistry.

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