19th June 2015
Should I Go Electric?
One of the many questions that we get asked by our patients is:
“Should I use an electric toothbrush?”
If you look at the science and the research, then the answer is: yes. However, it’s not as simple as that. Over the years, we have seen many patients with excellent oral hygiene achieved by using a manual brush. It all comes down to:
1) Using the correct technique with the toothbrush (manual or electric)
2) Spending 2 to 3 mins brushing your teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
So, it’s up to you if you want to go electric or not. Whatever you decide, please just make sure you use the toothbrush correctly and for a minimum of 2 minutes. If you are not sure, please visit us for advice. We have found that many patients who struggle to use a manual toothbrush, can do a better job with an electric one. Some of the positive features you’ll find with them include:
- Built-in timers
- Some have pressure sensors to help make sure you don’t brush your teeth too hard
- More effective removal of plaque whilst you control the movements/angle of the brush head
Patients often say they get a “cleaner feeling” of their teeth after using an electric toothbrush, similar to having a professional clean at the surgery. They can play a vital role if you suffer from gum disease.
Which electric toothbrush should I buy?
The 3 main brands I recommend are Oral B Braun, Philips Sonicare and Colgate Omron. In reality, the results you achieve is similar between any of these bands and models. Just look at your budget and any specific features you like. The cost of replacement heads should be considered too. We often run special promotions on electric toothbrushes throughout the year, so pay us a visit for more information.
And most importantly…have fun cleaning your teeth every day!!
p.s. If you want to read the main evidence on electric toothbrushes, here is the link:
