Are electric toothbrushes better?

Choosing an electric toothbrush, or any toothbrush for that matter, is a pretty important topic when you think about the fact that 66% of adults have visible signs of plaque*. What's more shocking is that one in four adults don't brush their teeth before they go to bed*.

Impress is a champion of the fight against bad gum care, oral health and orthodontics. A free orthodontic evaluation with our dentists will provide you with a clear understanding of your dental hygiene, and we'll talk you through whether you're a good candidate for aligners.

For now, let's get into the advantages of using an electric toothbrush, the benefits of manual brushes in comparison and the dentist-recommended habits you should be using for deep cleaning at home. With the facts, you can decide if electric toothbrushes provide a better brush than manual ones.

What is the best toothbrush?

There are advantages to the type of toothbrush you use, which is exactly what we'll tackle in this article. By the end of it you'll know exactly how to maintain gum health and implement great brushing habits.

Benefits of a manual toothbrush

1. A manual toothbrush is cost-effective and is easily portable: There's nothing worse than investing in an electric toothbrush and having to navigate international plugs when you travel, or worse, forgetting your charging port altogether.
2.  Soft-bristle brushes are recommended, which are widely available in most places you shop: Why? Softer bristles help to remove plaque and tartar more effectively, they are easier on the gums, and unlike hard-bristle brushes, they don't damage your tooth enamel or root surface.
3. Manual brushes make it easy to learn about the right brushing skills: Perfect for children to understand the correct pressure to use, as it's common for them to chew, bend, break and apply too much pressure to bristles as they get used to navigating their mouth to clean their teeth properly.

By comparison, electric toothbrushes have gained a lot of popularity for their ease in assisting people who struggle to maintain their dental health. Let's take a look at some of the benefits.

Advantages of electric toothbrushes

• Many of the models have built-in timers, ensuring you're brushing your teeth for the optimal amount of time.
• They can be helpful for people with orthodontic devices, such as braces and clear aligners, to achieve a more even clean.
• Electric toothbrushing devices can prove helpful for people with limited mobility, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, or other difficulties with dexterity, as the power of an electric toothbrush does the work.
• Sonic vibrations and oscillating heads on electric brushes can lead to a deeper clean and better plaque removal.

How long should you brush your teeth?

Brushing your teeth is a basic daily hygiene habit that everyone should do. It protects your oral health, tooth enamel and removes plaque.

Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, you should be brushing for a minimum of 2 minutes, at least, twice a day. Optimally, three minutes, three times a day, is an excellent approach to achieving the best oral health.

How often should you change your toothbrush?

Advice from the NHS recommends changing your toothbrush every three to four months or when there are visible signs of discolouration and fraying, and wear.

There are usually replacement heads with different benefits for most brands of electric toothbrushes that target various things, such as targeting plaque, whitening or tongue-cleaning integration.

In contrast, replacing the toothbrush every few months if you use a manual one ensures the whole brush is new and free from nasty bacteria. Replacing your toothbrush at the recommended time can prevent recurring sore throats and throat complaints, too.

Environmentally friendly toothbrushes

There are now a combination of electric and ecological brushes, with the power of pressure sensors and replaceable brush heads, but made with sustainable and compostable material. For the environmentally conscious shopper, not having to compromise your brushing technique or your values on landfill might be the best of both worlds.

What's the best toothbrush for kids?

The decision between buying a manual or electric toothbrush for your child comes down to your preference, genetic deficiencies in their dentine and teeth, and any recommendations your family dentist might have on the benefits of one style of brushing over another.

It's a great idea to practice daily hygiene habits with children from an early age, and including them in a conversation about a new toothbrush, considering the range of fun toothbrushes out there, could be a great place to start.

Digital orthodontics and oral care with Impress

If you would like a professional opinion on dental straightening for you or your child, you can book an appointment at an Impress clinic near you. Your first visit to Impress includes a 360-degree X-ray and a 3d scan of your teeth.

Alongside our recommendations on your suitability for aligner treatment, we'll also advise you on the best dental hygiene habits to help you maintain a healthy and clean smile. You can get started with a free consultation by filling in this form, giving us a call or sending us a message on WhatsApp.

Citations

Dental Health Organisation*: https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/report-highlights-concerns-into-britains-brushing-habits

NHS: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/leaflet/brushing-your-teeth/