3 Key Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

Do you get cavities easily? Have you struggled with chronic gum disease? If so, have you considered getting an electric toothbrush? 

Electric toothbrushes are highly effective tools for dental health. They enhance the brushing process in a variety of ways. An electric toothbrush uses similar technology to professional dental tools and is highly recommended by dentists. 

Learn about 3 key benefits of an electric toothbrush to help you decide whether or not to get one for your own personal use.  

1. Cleaner, Whiter Teeth

Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque from the teeth than manual toothbrushes. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of food residue and bacteria that clings to the teeth. When it is not removed, it eats away at your tooth enamel, resulting in pits called cavities. It is much easier to miss spots when brushing with a manual toothbrush, increasing your risk of tooth decay. 

Electric toothbrushes also have teeth whitening capabilities. By removing more plaque from your teeth, electric toothbrushes prevent stains from developing on the surface of the enamel. They may also scrub away existing stains. 

2. Promotes Gum Health 

Using an electric toothbrush can also improve the health of your periodontal tissues, more commonly known as your gums. Electric toothbrushes provide even pressure across all of your teeth and along your gum line. When you brush too vigorously with a manual toothbrush it can cause irritation to your gum tissue, which can increase your risk of developing gum disease. It can also cause your gums to recede, or pull away from your teeth. An electric toothbrush reduces these risks, improving the health of your oral tissues. 

3. Built-In Timer 

It is recommended that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes at a time, which can be a challenge if you don’t have a timer. Electric toothbrushes typically feature built-in timers that buzz or blink every 30 seconds for a duration of 2 minutes so that you can spend an even amount of time on each section of your mouth. Mentally divide your mouth into quadrants: upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left, in any order you prefer. As your toothbrush alerts you, move to the next section of your mouth. This encourages you to spend the adequate amount of time brushing to lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Making The Choice 

An electric toothbrush can only improve your oral health, so there are really no disadvantages to giving it a try. It may cost more than a manual toothbrush, but you will get many years of use out of a quality electric toothbrush. Replacement brush heads are available that are comparable to the cost of manual toothbrushes. And the improvement to your oral health will save you money by preventing the need for restorative dental procedures. 

Electric toothbrushes are also beneficial for children. Children can brush more effectively with an electric toothbrush, resulting in reduced occurrences of cavities. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Toothbrushes

What brand and model of electric toothbrush should I buy? 

There are many different brands and models of electric toothbrushes on the market. Some have round brush heads and others are more rectangular. Ask your dentist for a recommendation for the best electric toothbrush for your needs. 

Do I need an electric toothbrush if my teeth and mouth are healthy? 

If you currently have good oral health using a manual toothbrush, there may be no need to purchase an electric toothbrush. But you may find that you can enhance your brushing experience and maintain your oral health going forward with an electric brush. 

Learn More From Bronxville Family Dental

If you want to learn more about electric toothbrushes and your family’s oral health, Bronxville Family Dental would be happy to make a recommendation. Helping you maintain a healthy smile is our priority. 

Call 914-337-8430 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.