Are Electric Toothbrushes Really That Much Better?

Your method of brushing teeth and gums plays a huge role in effectively removing plaque and food particles from your mouth, a quick swipe with the brush is not sufficient to thoroughly clean tooth surfaces. The average recommended length of time to brush is two minutes at least twice a day, followed by flossing thoroughly.

If you find two minutes to be unbearable, then a power toothbrush may be the best for you.

Thousand of strokes

The two basic types of electric toothbrushes on the market today are either a standard electric or a sonic toothbrush.

An electric toothbrush provides around 3,000 strokes a minute compared to the sonic model that provide up to 40,000 strokes per minute. Brushing for two minutes with a traditional toothbrush averages between 300 and 600 strokes a minute, falling short of the capabilities of the electric models.

Make brushing easy

Small children and those who suffer from arthritis may benefit from an electric or sonic toothbrush because most models have large handles with a grip pad making them easy to hold. They also require less hand and finger motion to complete the job. Children enjoy watching the brush spin in their mouth while brushing encouraging excellent dental hygiene at a young age.

Wondering about cost?

The cost of electric toothbrushes may be a deciding factor in your choice between an electric or hand powered toothbrush. Some electric toothbrushes can run into the hundreds of dollars while a traditional toothbrush typically costs a few dollars. Design and style vary between models, visiting local retail stores allows you to hold each one to determine if an electric toothbrush is comfortable for you.

Whether you use a standard or an electric toothbrush, correct techniques and time you spend brushing and flossing will remove plaque and food particles reducing your risk of periodontal disease. Scheduling regular dental checkups in addition to proper dental hygiene will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Learn more

To learn more about correct brushing and flossing methods for adults and children, schedule a free consultation.