Is it time to buy a new toothbrush? Before you pick up one of the manual toothbrushes you’ve always used, it may be time to consider a step up to an electric toothbrush. Though these are newer to the scene than manual brushes, they have been around for a few decades and have improved in both functionality and affordability in the last few years. Is one of these better than the others?
A Head-to-Head Comparison Shows the Difference
In a recent study that took 11 years to complete, a group of researchers set out to determine which type of toothbrush was most effective – an electric toothbrush or the manual type. This study, the longest of its type, isn’t the first on the topic, as smaller scale studies have been done as well.
The results are significant. Electronic toothbrushes are able to help people have healthier gums. They also help to reduce the onset of tooth decay. Most important, those who use electric toothbrushes are likely to keep their natural teeth longer than those that use a manual toothbrush.
The news isn’t shocking. Many dental experts recommend the use of electric toothbrushes because they provide a far better level of cleaning of teeth. Those that oscillate, or rotate in both directions, are the best options available for the removal of plaque, a sticky substance that builds up on the exterior of the teeth and leads to dental infections and tooth decay over time. Additionally, these toothbrushes tend to be better at warding off gum disease.
Another poll completed by the Oral Health Foundation in the U.K. found that nearly half of adults are using electric toothbrushes and that 63% of them say they do so because the toothbrushes provide a better level of cleaning.
The Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush
There is no doubt that the cost of a manual toothbrush is a fraction of what you can expect to pay for an electric toothbrush, but the differences are significant. Some of those benefits include:
- Superior plaque removal, thanks to the overall rapid movement of the bristles, they clean away more of the plaque you’re fighting against
- It’s faster! You have to spend far less time using an electric toothbrush than you would a traditional, manual toothbrush to get the same results.
- It’s also easier to use overall. Most people find that electric toothbrushes that are more modern are lightweight and easy enough to maneuver around the mouth.
- Some have an improved head on them, such as one that’s rotating or oscillating, which provides a more thorough cleaning of the surface of the tooth as well as the edges and the gumline.
- Some have excellent features, such as a timer to tell you when you’ve brushed long enough.
Electric toothbrush investments are worthwhile. With the routine use of these toothbrushes, many people are able to see a refreshed smile that they simply love. Consistent use of a high-quality toothbrush is a must to see any of these benefits.