At Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry, we strongly encourage patients to book regular recall appointments for cleanings and evaluations. At home, however, patients also need to take great care of their smile. The toothbrush is essential for maintaining oral health, and there are a few different choices available to patients. The continued debate is whether an electric toothbrush is more efficient at keeping the smile clean than a manual toothbrush. Many patients are torn as to which one to choose for their needs, and each one has its own benefits and disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration. Here is a little research to help you decide whether a manual toothbrush or an electric one is best for you!
Electric toothbrush
There are several different types of electric toothbrushes, including those that simply vibrate or those with an oscillating head.
Pros
- Highly effective at removing plaque and gingivitis
- Perfect for individuals with limited mobility associated with conditions such as arthritis or developmental disabilities
- Some come with timers to ensure you brush your teeth long enough
- Variety, including those with replaceable heads and those with single use heads
- Power options, including those that need to be plugged in and those that use replaceable batteries
Cons
- Electric toothbrushes are often much more costly than their manual counterparts
- More fragile and require extra care to avoid damaging them
- Dropping the toothbrush can cause it to break and need replacement
- Many require charging, which takes up precious outlets in a smaller bathroom
Manual toothbrush
Manual toothbrushes have been used by patients for decades and continue to be a popular choice.
Pros
- Affordable, making them accessible to those on a tighter budget
- Don’t require charging or batteries, reducing overall cost and care
- Variety, including different sizes, shapes, colors, and even certain features such as tongue scrapers
Cons
- Require more effort to brush and keep the teeth clean
- Can be difficult to manage for individuals with mobility challenges
- No timer, requires patients to pay attention to time used
- Risk of brushing too hard and damaging the teeth and gums
Discuss your dental needs with the team at Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry
Mesa, AZ area patients who are in need of more information regarding the instruments they use to take care of their smiles are encouraged to take time to speak to their dentist. Drs. Scott LeSueur, Glenn LeSueur, and Charles Dodaro of Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry can help! Call (480) 834-6991 to schedule an appointment at 1056 South Val Vista Drive, Suite #1.