There's nothing worse than completing your home care routine and still feeling like your mouth isn't fresh afterward! You could feel this way for a few reasons: Perhaps you're not using the most effective brushing and flossing techniques. Maybe you need to replace your toothbrush or switch to an electric version. Today, we'll discuss the differences between an electric toothbrush vs. a manual one so you can decide which is best for your needs.
The Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush
These days, there are several choices on the market for purchasing an electric toothbrush, and unfortunately, they are not all created equally. However, if you choose a high-end electric toothbrush, it provides several benefits:
- Oscillating brush head that removes plaque in harder-to-reach places
- Timed brushing sessions to ensure reaching the two-minute goal
- Pressure sensors that indicate vigorous brushing, which protects gum health
- Better-proven plaque reduction over time
How Does an Electric Toothbrush Work?
Every brush is unique, and some provide more features than others, but generally, your electric toothbrush holds a charge or uses disposable batteries that power its operations. Most electric toothbrushes have a timing feature that alerts you every 30 seconds to move to a different quadrant of your mouth until you've completed the recommended two-minute session.
Some brushes have pressure sensors that alert you when you're brushing too hard. This is especially helpful for delicate gum tissue, which can be damaged or lost by vigorous tooth brushing.
Many brushes have different cleaning modes designed for tongue cleaning or reducing tooth sensitivity, allowing you to choose the most comfortable mode for your needs. Many electric toothbrushes are also waterproof, enabling you to use them in the shower and make cleaning simple.
Some models use Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, tracking your brushing habits and providing valuable feedback to optimize your home care routine. Your dentist in South Austin can discuss the pros and cons of different electric toothbrush features and help you determine which one might be the right option for your needs.
Is an Electric Toothbrush Better Than a Manual Model?
Many studies point to electric toothbrushes' excellent features and benefits, showing that they tend to remove more plaque over time than a manual toothbrush. But the truth is that a manual toothbrush can also be effective when used correctly with the proper techniques. An electric toothbrush makes the process easier for some patients; however, some people don't want to spend the money on an electric toothbrush, and you shouldn't feel bad about brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush. Many patients also find it easier to travel with a manual toothbrush and still get great results. You and your dentist can decide which toothbrush is more effective for your needs.
Toothbrushing 101: Understanding Proper Brushing Techniques
If you use a regular, manual toothbrush, it's essential to understand the proper techniques that will provide you with the best results. Brushing for two minutes each session with the proper technique or 30 seconds in each quadrant is the key to successfully removing plaque.
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gum tissue. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. Gently brush the top surface using circular motions, being careful not to irritate your gum tissues. Then, move to the inner surfaces of your teeth, followed by the chewing surfaces, to ensure you've cleaned all areas of the quadrant.
Finally, gently brushing your tongue helps remove plaque and bacteria that can hide there and cause bad breath. Gently glide your toothbrush over your tongue a few times.
Talk with your dentist about adding an antibacterial mouth rinse as a finishing touch to your routine. This will help minimize tooth decay and cavities and provide fresh breath.
Why Is Oral Home Care So Important?
Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once is one of the best ways to protect your dental health and overall well-being. Since we understand the clear connection between gum disease and other non-dental systemic conditions like heart disease, we know that taking care of oral health has never been more critical. Because bacteria travels through your blood system, gum disease has been closely linked with these other chronic health concerns:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
Some women experience complications during pregnancy due to gum disease, such as low birth weight in their babies and pregnancy diabetes.
Committing to a consistent home care routine of brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease before it starts, protecting your oral health and overall well-being.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease doesn't cause much pain at first and can be difficult to recognize before it causes more significant problems. However, some of the early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) to be aware of are:
- Red, irritated, or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing or flossing
Many patients with gingivitis can reverse their condition by improving their home care routine and getting a thorough professional teeth cleaning with their dental hygienist. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it's a good idea to contact your dentist immediately to book an exam.
Get in Touch with West Creek Dental
Is it time for your next dental teeth cleaning and checkup? Please don't wait to contact your West Creek Dental team at (512) 394-7989 to schedule your next professional teeth cleaning and exam or request your appointment online.
Even if it's been a while since you've visited the dentist, Dr. Gokhale and her team provide a caring, welcoming, and judgment-free environment that puts patients at ease and meets them where they are with their dental health. We're not here to judge you but to help you meet your dental goals and get your smile back on track. We look forward to serving your smile!