Brushing your teeth is basic oral hygiene, and the dentists recommend brushing twice a day, one of which should be right before you go to bed. Other recommendations regarding brushing the teeth also include;
- Brushing for at least two minutes at a stretch.
- Not rinsing the mouth after brushing because it means rinsing out the fluoride present in their toothpaste (the fluoride is what works on the teeth to prevent decay)
- Not using mouthwash immediately after brushing the teeth also rinses out the fluoride.
Before the invention of toothbrushes, predecessors have used a variety of things (including chewing sticks), then there was the invention of the wooden toothbrush, up to when electric toothbrushes were first invented in 1939. And for the first time, it was used in the USA in 1960.
Electric toothbrushes were initially made for people who had certain diseases that limited their motion and people who used braces. But it is now beneficial for everyone to use.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes are beneficial in preventing diseases and decay of the teeth, even though manual toothbrushes are more affordable and accessible. These are reasons why electric toothbrushes are better.
- Remove the plaque more effectively
The electric bristles reduce the plaque and gingivitis in the teeth more than manual toothbrushes do. Study shows that this is because of the oscillating property of the electric toothbrush.
The electric brush rotates and vibrates to remove the build-up of plaque and food remnants in the teeth and the gums.
- Perfect timing
The time recommended for brushing is for at least two minutes; this allows for increased plaque removal, which prevents dental diseases.
But while using a manual brush, people assume they have brushed long enough
to make the teeth clean, whereas it has only been less than a minute.
Without a timer, it is hard to know how long one has used while brushing; that is why electric toothbrushes have built-in timers which stop at precisely two minutes. Some electric toothbrushes are programmed to stop at thirty-second intervals for each side of the mouth
- Help people with limited motor skills
With electric toothbrushes, you do little work because the electric toothbrush does the most; this will be helpful for anyone with limited motor skills, joint problems, and developmental disabilities.
And it takes the work off people around them because they can do something basic like brushing by themselves.
- Encourage the kids to brush
A task like brushing for the kids can be an extreme sport, especially during a morning rush. An electric toothbrush makes it more fun for the kids to brush as it will excite them. It will also make sure that the kid has healthy dentitions.
- Waste reduction
You should change it every 3 months for a manual toothbrush, but you might have to replace the head regularly with an electric toothbrush.
Note: This does not apply to single-use electric toothbrushes as you have to replace them completely every 3 months.
- The better option for people with skin conditions
Some people with certain skin conditions make them have tight skin around the mouth (The condition is called scleroderma). Using electric toothbrushes makes brushing easier and more comfortable.
They will not have to open their mouths wide to reach the inner part of their mouth and keep it clean.
- Good for the gums.
Some people believe in brushing hard to get clean teeth; this sometimes affects and damages the gum, it might also cause bleeding of the gums.
Electric brushes have sensors that let you know when you are pressing too hard. So when used properly, the gums and enamel are well cleaned without the side effect of bruises.
- Help people who use orthodontic appliances to achieve better oral health
People who use orthodontic appliances sometimes find it difficult to brush well, even though it might not improve the removal of plaque. It improves their general oral health. And it makes it easier to brush the teeth while having orthodontic therapy.
Different types of electric toothbrushes.
Before getting an electric toothbrush, it is good to know the types and know the one that will fit the purpose for which you want to get it. These are the different types of electronic brushes, classified based on how the brush moves;
- Ionic: This type of electric brush does not move; it has a low electric current in the bristles that attracts the plaques; this is how it keeps the teeth clean and safe from decay.
- Ultrasonic: This moves from side to side. This fast motion causes vibrations which in turn removes the plaque.
- Sonic: This also moves from side to side even though its movement is as fast as that of ultrasonic. It moves at about 31,000 strokes per minute.
- Rotary: As the name implies, it moves in a circular motion at most 7,500 strokes per minute. Its movement is also similar to to-and-fro motion.
As much as the benefits of electric toothbrushes are, they have a few cons that should be talked about.
- Manual toothbrushes are more affordable than electric toothbrushes. Even though you might have to change just the head of some electronic brushes, they are still more expensive than getting manual brushes.
- Electric toothbrushes are not readily available in stores, unlike manual ones. This might pose a problem when you want to get replacements for them. The best option is to get them online or from the store you the toothbrush from.
Good oral health cannot be overrated, and brushing the teeth is the start point of it all. The manual toothbrush is safe to use and does not cause decay when adequately used, but the electric toothbrush is advisable to go with to be on the safer side.
Get a good electric toothbrush and take good care of your mouth and dentition. Do not wait until your dentist recommends it; instead, get it to avoid regular visits to the dentist’s office.