The best way to keep your dentist visits uneventful is with good oral habits. Brushing and flossing twice a day is arguably the most important of these habits. But it is not enough to simply pass a toothbrush over your teeth for a few seconds. To get all the plaque off of your teeth, you have to take your time and pay attention as you clean your mouth. For the longest time, the manual toothbrush was the only way people brushed their teeth. Then came the powered toothbrush. It made plaque removal more effective and a whole lot easier. Does that mean that electric toothbrushes are better than regular ones? Here is what dentists have to say.
Manual toothbrushes
These have been around since the days of yore. The earliest model of the manual toothbrush came in the form of twigs from aromatic trees like eucalyptus. Then came the Chinese version with the most recent model of the toothbrush; the kind we all have in our bathrooms. The prototype had a handle made of bone and bristles made of boar hair. Thanks to the invention of plastic, no puzzled boars are shaved or otherwise harmed in the making of modern toothbrushes.
To clean teeth properly, a person should brush up and down to remove the plaque at the base of the teeth. They should pay special attention to the molars and make sure to spend at least two minutes cleaning every part of their mouth. A person should avoid hurting themselves by brushing gently with a soft toothbrush.
Powered toothbrushes
A regular toothbrush only cleans as well as the person that uses it. If the person brushes their teeth too aggressively, then the toothbrush may damage the enamel and the gums. If they miss a spot, then the toothbrush will miss a spot as well. A powered toothbrush addresses such drawbacks in the following ways:
- An electric toothbrush does all the work so the user will not need to use the kind of force that can cause injury
- Because it does all the work, a powered toothbrush is better at removing plaque
- It is also a better option for smokers who want to prevent staining
- Children who are not fond of brushing their teeth often find powered toothbrushes to be fun
- Electric toothbrushes have timers which ensure that a person brushes their teeth for at least two minutes
These are all great reasons to use a powered toothbrush. Still, it is worth remembering that electric toothbrushes are the more expensive option.
Is one better than the other?
Not really. Although an electric toothbrush is a better choice for smokers and reluctant children, it has its drawbacks like being a lot more expensive. A manual toothbrush cleans just as thoroughly, as long as it is in the hands of a careful and meticulous person. In the end, it all comes down to the size of the toothbrush head and the quality of the bristles. This holds true for both manual and powered toothbrushes. So, the best kind of toothbrush is the one that you are most comfortable with.
Want to learn more about oral hygiene?
Request an appointment here: http://dentistinsanclemente.com or call Nina Basti DDS at (949) 201-4719 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
A dental crown is meant to protect a weak or damaged tooth, so it can feel frustrating if it starts to hurt. Minor sensitivity can be expected as the tooth adjusts to a new crown. However, pain that lasts, gets worse, or starts months later may mean something needs attention.Here are three of the most…
Choosing the best dentist for your needs can be a hard decision. You deserve a dental team that listens and provides you with the tools you need to maintain your smile. When you feel confident and safe when walking into the dental office, you know your health is in the right hands. Here are five…
Most people grow up hearing that dental care means one checkup with a family dentist every six months. While that schedule works well for many patients, it is not the right fit for every smile. Some people benefit from more frequent visits because their oral health needs, habits, or medical history place them at a…
Has it been years since your last dental office visit? No matter what kept you from professional dental care, the best day to start taking care of your oral health is today. While you may feel nervous about this upcoming visit, understanding the initial appointment can reduce anxiety and build confidence about returning to a…