One of the most frequently asked questions we get from our Phoenix dental patients is whether or not it’s worth it to get an electric toothbrush.
As long as a toothbrush has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, it is safe and effectively removes plaque, whether it is manual or electric. If budget is a concern, a manual toothbrush will do just fine. However, there are many benefits to electric toothbrushes that may make it worth your investment.
Your favorite Phoenix Dentist has this advice:
What I always tell patients is you can get the same clean feeling with ANY toothbrush. An electric toothbrush just…does the work for you. Instead of having to work hard to clean all those hard to reach areas and wondering if you’re having too much pressure or not enough pressure or wearing away your teeth, electric toothbrushes can take all that guesswork out of it for you, allowing you to get a clean, fresh smile with minimal work. So I always recommend electric toothbrushes.
Some other benefits of electric toothbrushes include:
Less Waste
The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 months. With an electric toothbrush, you only need to replace the brush head instead of the entire toothbrush itself.
Easier to Use
Electric toothbrushes can be a great option for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children as they require less dexterity to properly brush. People with braces have also found them to be easier to use as well.
Timed Brushing
Many electric toothbrushes have a timer feature to make sure you are brushing your teeth for the recommended amount of time (2 minutes).
Variety in Movement
Different people prefer different movements of their electric brush heads. You have the choice of many varying movements, including ultrasonic, oscillation, circular, side-to-side, counter-oscillation, etc. What you choose will depend on the sensitivity of your gums and teeth and your personal preference.
Fun to Use
Many people (children especially!) prefer electric toothbrushes simply because it is more entertaining than using a manual toothbrush. If you need motivation to brush, try switching to an electric brush to make things more exciting and fun!
The Verdict:
You can use whichever ADA approved toothbrush you’d like, but it doesn’t hurt to switch to electric!
Visit the American Dental Association’s website for a list of electric toothbrushes that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
