Your Best Dentist Can Help You Choose Between Toothbrushes

Every time you watch TV or scroll down your favorite social media network, you see an advertisement for a new and improved toothbrush. Not only do these power tools for your teeth promise better oral health, but they have you questioning whether or not you should chuck your manual toothbrush.

If you’re unsure about which decision to make, your dentist is here to help you in this week’s blog post.

The Manual Toothbrush

Despite what you may see throughout the media, manual toothbrushes have been proven to effectively remove plaque and dental bacteria in the mouth—if they’re used as directed and as often as twice a day.

You must be diligent in brushing your teeth for a full two minute to ensure that you reach every area of the mouth and remove lingering dental debris. Manual toothbrushes are especially effective when you floss once a day as well. Not to mention, manual toothbrushes cost less, so everyone has access to them!

On the other hand, if a dental patient shows signs of irregular brushing habits, the manual brush may not do the job.

Additionally, patients with arthritic hands and other disabilities that affect dexterity may find themselves experiencing difficulties with manual toothbrushes. Unless the patient or a caregiver modifies the handle, a wider gripped electric toothbrush can better help them get the job done.

The Electric Toothbrush

Again, despite the ads that are constantly bombarding our TV and smartphone screens, electric toothbrushes have been around since the 1960’s. Either battery-powered or plugged into a bathroom outlet, this spinning-headed gadget delivers literally tens of thousands of brushing stroke per minute and has been doing so for years. These are also a tried and true way to remove dental debris from the mouth.

Most people love that they don’t have to do the hard work when it comes to brushing their teeth—they let the spinning bristles do mostly everything for them! Just start and go, and move the brush accurately around the mouth. Be sure to include the teeth, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth during your brushing routine.

In particular, children find electric brushes fun to use compared to manual brushes.  The fancy styles and shapes appeal to the needs of young dental patients and can make sure that if they aren’t brushing every inch of their mouth, their cycling bristles are at least removing plaque in the areas that they do touch. It’s still important to have a parent brush teeth to effectively remove dental plaque and debris.

It’s Time to Decide Which is Best for You!

It’s your dentist’s job to always steer you in the right direction when it comes to your oral health. If you ever have any questions about your dental tools, feel free to contact your local dental team.

About Our Office

From the beginning to the end of the planning process, our team at Chester County Dental Arts enjoys giving our patients the best possible smile. That’s why Dr. Mark A. Simeone offers complete dental exams and professional cleanings. This way, we can evaluate your current dental health and help you improve it with dental care tips for home—keeping your mouth at optimal oral health. Feel free to give our office a call to schedule your next appointment!