by Dr. Thomas Detert, DDS, BSc.
Photo courtesy Adobe Stock.
In the early days of electric toothbrushes, I thought to myself, “How lazy do you have to be to want an electric toothbrush?” Fast forward to today, and I can’t seem to brush my teeth without one.
Brushing your teeth serves several purposes. You are removing food debris and stain. You are removing the bacterial film that accumulates on your teeth. And you are stimulating your gum tissue.
A manual or traditional toothbrush can do this. But an electric toothbrush can do this even better. A 2013 study published in the Journal or Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry showed a clinical and statistical improvement in plaque control and gum health.
Using a manual toothbrush requires a certain amount of time, effort, and manual dexterity of your fingers. Kids often lack the dexterity. Adults with arthritis and other health issues may also have trouble effectively using a manual toothbrush.
The electric toothbrush still requires time and effort. But the effort and dexterity are largely handled by the high speed oscillation of the toothbrush head.
Tips for Proper Brushing with an Electric Toothbrush
ensure that you are using a soft brush, harder is NOT better.
rinse your mouth with water to remove larger food particles
allow 2 minutes of time
wet the brush portion of the toothbrush
use a small (pea-sized) amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste
brush the tops of your teeth first to soften the bristles
when brushing the sides of your teeth, ensure that the brush is in gentle contact with the area that your tooth and gums meet. You want a gentle massage of your gums when you brush.
spit out paste, and rinse well with water
Tips for Buying an Electric Toothbrush
more expensive isn’t necessarily better
select a unit with a small round head
ensure the brush supplied is soft or extra-soft
make sure it is rechargeable
Remember, brushing your teeth is only HALF the job. Flossing is essential to remove food debris and biofilm between your teeth!
Parents: if your child is under age 6 you should be brushing and flossing their teeth. Remind your 6+ and teenage children to brush and floss every day.
Be sure to get regular check ups and dental cleanings!