We’re not obsessed with advanced dental technology, and aren’t willing to adopt anything just because it’s “new.” There’s something soothing about the smell of a real book with paper pages, and talking face to face with a friend instead of just texting them to catch up and connect.
Despite this, there are times when we are ready to embrace what technology can give us. For example, when it comes to our teeth, we’re very open-minded to the benefits a little technology can bring. So, whether you’re interested in buying an electric toothbrush, or you just want to learn more about why you may want one, keep reading.
What is it?
Electric toothbrushes vibrate or rotate, which helps them remove plaque from teeth and gums. The vibration encourages more micro-movements that clean your teeth more effectively than a manual toothbrush. Read some of our pros and cons for why you should make the switch to an electric toothbrush.
Pros for Electric Toothbrushes
Effective at Removing Plaque
Electric toothbrushes may decrease the amount of plaque and gingivitis on your teeth more than manual toothbrushes are able to. In fact, studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove 11% more plaque than manual toothbrushes and reduce gingivitis by 17%. If you are a lazy brusher or struggle to brush your teeth effectively, an electric toothbrush could help make up for some of those glossed-over spots on your teeth.
Timers
If you brush your teeth sufficiently you can remove plaque from your teeth and gums every night. Rushing through your morning and nightly brushing can lead to skipping parts of the teeth or not giving enough time to sufficiently remove plaque. Many electric toothbrushes come with a timer to help you spend more time with your teeth and may help you lower your rates of plaque.
Bluetooth Compatibility
Many electric toothbrushes now come with the ability to connect to your phone via Bluetooth. You may be asking yourself why someone would need to connect their toothbrush to their phone, but it’s actually very helpful. The toothbrush connects to an app on your phone and gives you updates on your brushing, like if you are brushing too hard or missing certain areas of your mouth. Some Bluetooth compatible toothbrushes even have games for kids to play. This is great if you have a child that struggles to find the motivation to brush their teeth thoroughly.
Easier To Use
If you have a child at home then you know difficult it can be to get them to brush their teeth effectively, let alone brush them at all. Electric toothbrushes increase consistent, effective brushing in children and can even be fun for them if you utilize the Bluetooth games we mentioned earlier. Since electric toothbrushes are easy to hold and do all the work for you, they are also great for seniors who have arthritis or anyone with dexterity issues.
Cons For Electric Toothbrushes
Travel
Plug-in toothbrushes may not be a great idea if you travel internationally often, since outlets and electricity will vary from country to country. Manual toothbrushes will also take up less room in your luggage. You may need to use a manual toothbrush in these situations.
Effective Brushers See Similar Results
Electric toothbrushes don’t necessarily brush better than a manual toothbrush just because it’s electric, they simply make effective brushing easier. If you are already a very thorough brusher, you could see the same results as you would with an electric toothbrush. However, to be an effective brusher, you have to know how to not brush your teeth too hard, brush for at least two minutes, and make sure you are reaching every nook and cranny of your mouth and not missing any spots. If you know you don’t do all of these things regularly, you should probably make the switch to an electric toothbrush.
If you still have questions about whether you could benefit from an electric toothbrush or are past due for your regular dental cleaning, schedule an appointment with one of our Naples dentists today. Give us a call today at (239) 597-7333 to learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful with the right brushing technique.
