Why use an electric toothbrush for healthy teeth?
Today, people surrounded themselves with technology, yet the majority of us still use a toothbrush that was invented so far back in history it’s not even recorded! There have been major advances in toothbrush technology in recent years, and frankly it’s time for people to consider making the switch.
A number of electric toothbrush sites will try to convince you that clinical studies have proven that an electric toothbrush will clean your teeth better than a manual toothbrush – this is simply not true. A manual toothbrush can be just as effective IF you use proper brushing techniques, the right manual toothbrush, and floss regularly.
Unfortunately, these are all things that most people just don’t do. This is where electric toothbrushes help. Electric toothbrushes help insure proper brushing techniques. Electronic toothbrushes use:
- Timers to help you brush for the proper length of time and in all of the proper quadrants
- Vibrations to enforce proper brush strokes
- Pressure sensors to make sure the proper amount of pressure is applied for optimal cleaning
Electric toothbrushes vibrate at very high rate of speed. The actual speed varies by electric toothbrush model, but in all cases, an electric toothbrush vibrates at a significantly higher rate than can be accomplished with a manual toothbrush. The result? Cleaner teeth and less plaque.
Electronic toothbrushes also come with features to enhance your brushing experience. Features like:
- Brushing timers
- Various cleaning modes
- Whitening abilities
- Gum massagers
- Pressure sensors
The bottom line is that an electronic toothbrush will help you use proper brushing techniques, something most people seldom practice. Not only will electric toothbrushes help you, they make using proper brushing techniques easy, resulting in increased dental health for you.
There are currently four primary types of electric toothbrushes on the market today:
- Rotating
- Oscillating
- Pulsating
- Sonic
Rotating electric toothbrushes do exactly what you would expect, they rotate the bristles to simulate brush strokes.
Oscillating toothbrushes also rotate, but in different directions.
Pulsating toothbrushes add an additional twist to the rotating/oscillating motion by moving the bristles in and out. Pulsating helps push the bristles up against your teeth to assist with plaque removal.
The combination of rotating, oscillating and pulsating is the best for this technology, and most higher end electric tooth brushes use all three.
Sonic toothbrushes are currently the leading edge technology in electric toothbrushes. Sonic technology vibrates the bristles at very high frequencies and speeds and additionally cleans between teeth.
The speeds vary by the model of toothbrush, but the higher the rate, the more effective the toothbrush. Due to the high speeds of an electric toothbrush, some people have a hard time getting used to them, and find the feeling unpleasant. As a result, some manufacturers have special modes to help people adjust. If you have sensitive teeth or gum lines, these modes are a feature you’ll want to strongly consider.
How to select an electronic toothbrush
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the right electronic toothbrush for your individual needs. You can read guide from the best electric toothbrush club also:
Power and Speed
First and foremost is power speed. The number of strokes makes a difference in the overall effectiveness of the electric toothbrush. The more strokes, the cleaner your teeth will be. Some brushes offer multiple modes that allow you to select the speed and brushing experience. These are highly recommended over brushes offering just one mode, especially for people with sensitive teeth or gums.
Size
Size is important factor that many people don’t consider. Being able to comfortably hold the brush and have it easily reach the back of your mouth is critically important to getting the most benefit from your brush.
Timers
Brushing for the proper amount of time and brushing equally in all four quadrants of your mouth ensures a proper cleaning and removes the most amount of plaque. Most electronic toothbrushes come with timers, but the alert mechanism varies. Make sure you get a brush with a timer and an alert mechanism that is easy for you to hear or see. The brush should have a 2 minute timer, and 30 second quadrant reminder. Two minutes is the recommended brushing time.
Pressure Sensor
Proper brush pressure is very important, not only for to obtain an optimal cleaning but also to keep from damaging your teeth or wearing your bristles too soon. Some models include a pressure sensor. The way the sensor works varies from brush to brush. Some disable the brush, others just turn off some brushing features, while others audibly alert you. Try to purchase brush with a pressure sensor.
Price
While it would certainly be nice if we all unlimited funds, the reality of course is that we don’t. Electric toothbrush models vary greatly by price, and what drives that price are the features. Don’t forget as well, that you will need to replace the bristles of your brush, and the replacement bristle prices also vary by manufacturer.
Determine your initial budget for purchasing a brush and your ongoing budget for replacement bristles. This budget will help you make the right purchase decision that won’t “break the bank”.
Wrapping Up
There are a number of excellent electric toothbrushes on the market today and new and better brushes are constantly being developed. These brushes have different features sets and prices ranges, allowing you to chose the best electric toothbrush for your individual need. But don’t get caught up in all the features, gadgets an gizmos. The best electric toothbrush for you is one that is easy to use, meets your budget and most importantly – cleans your teeth!
