Many people who grew up in the 80s or 90s will have been taught to use a manual toothbrush to clean their teeth.
While these were the standard for, well, centuries, with the electric toothbrush coming into widespread production in the mid-90s, there was a shift in dental care. Fewer cavities were reported at check-ups, and there were fewer incidents of gum disease being seen by dental teams too.
So, if you haven’t made the switch from a manual toothbrush to an electric one, you may actually be losing out!
When you come to see our team at Wickham Dental, our dentist in Wickham will always talk about the best ways for you to keep your teeth healthy at home. And so, we are big advocates of electric toothbrushes, water pics and interdental brushes!
If you haven’t made the switch, here are 5 reasons from our dentist in Wickham to switch to an electric toothbrush today!
Better plaque removal
One of the primary advantages of using an electric toothbrush is its ability to remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes. The oscillating or vibrating bristles of an electric toothbrush can remove more plaque from teeth and gums than a manual toothbrush. Research has shown that electric toothbrushes can remove up to 21% more plaque than manual toothbrushes. So, it’s easy to see why our dentist in Wickham is so pro-them!
More effective at removing stains
Electric toothbrushes can also remove surface stains more effectively than manual toothbrushes. The bristles of an electric toothbrush vibrate at high speeds, which can help remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco more effectively than manual toothbrushes, thus giving you a brighter, whiter smile. Of course, if you find that there is a long-term issue with staining, you should contact our team to assess the options that we can offer.
Timer function
These toothbrushes often come with a built-in timer, which can help ensure that you brush your teeth for the recommended two minutes. Many people don’t brush their teeth for long enough, which can lead to inadequate cleaning. A timer can help make sure you brush for the recommended time, improving your oral hygiene.
Easy to use
People who have limited mobility, such as the elderly or those with arthritis, may find it challenging to brush their teeth properly using a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can make brushing easier for these individuals, as they require less physical effort to use. Additionally, electric toothbrushes with larger handles or those designed for people with disabilities can make it easier for people with limited mobility to grip and use them.
Long-lasting battery life
An electric toothbrush will typically have a long-lasting battery life, which means you don’t have to replace the batteries as often as you would with a manual toothbrush. Some electric toothbrushes can last for several weeks on a single charge, making them convenient for travel and reducing the environmental impact of frequent battery replacements, also meaning that they are a lot cheaper to run than most people think