We are living in a fast-paced world that is driven by technology. We all know technology is about making our lives easier and sometimes it can swing its magic by making our mornings easier.
No, we are not talking about a toaster and a kettle that can help you make your breakfast in the blink of an eye. Rather, we are talking about an electric toothbrush. Didn’t see it coming, did you?
An electric toothbrush is currently the talk of the town. You can see almost all the popular influencers using the device for optimum dental hygiene. But in between those thousands of reels and Instagram stories hailing an electric toothbrush, did you ever wonder if they are really worth the hype? Or if they got something that our manual everyday toothbrushes don’t?
Sit back and read along, because we will be giving you the clarity you are looking for.
Benefits of an electric toothbrush
Better at removing plaque
Tooth plaque is formed when bacteria in your mouth mix with starchy or sugary food you consume. It is a sticky film that accumulates in between your teeth. Removing dental plaque becomes necessary as it can cause gum diseases, cavities, and other oral health problems.
Electronic toothbrushes do a better job of removing dental plaque than manual toothbrushes. As per research, electric toothbrushes remove plaque by 21% after three months of usage. At the same time, they reduce gingivitis by 11%.
When it comes to manual toothbrushes, they aren’t as effective as electronic toothbrushes as they do not reach the gaps to remove plaque. As for electronic toothbrushes, they vibrate or rotate to remove plaque build-up from your gums and teeth.
They come with built-in timers
Did you know you should brush for at least 3 minutes to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy and stronger? So, do you follow the rule or keep the toothbrush back before the prescribed time? We get it, who keeps counting seconds and minutes while brushing their teeth?
This is where electric toothbrushes have the upper hand. They come with a built-in timer to help you brush your teeth for the recommended and ideal duration.
Comes with different cleaning modes and next-gen beneficial features
Struggling with sensitivity? Turns out, electronic toothbrushes come with a specialised mode to help with sensitivity. Not just for sensitivity, there are different modes that cater to the different dental needs of individuals.
Here are some of the most common features of electronic toothbrushes that give them an edge compared to manual toothbrushes:
- Come with pressure sensors to let you know when you’re brushing too hard
- Reminders to change your brush head
- Oscillating/pulsating and cupping motion for efficient cleaning
- Bluetooth connectivity to keep track of cleaning and dental hygiene
- Unique tracking technology that guides and helps you cover every area
- Compatible with multiple brush heads to choose between bristles
Consistent performance and cleaning
Positioning and motion are essential for effective cleaning of the teeth. If you are using a manual toothbrush, your hand positioning and motion matter more than you realise. However, as your hands are constantly in motion, you get tired, failing to deliver constant pressure to the teeth and gums for cleaning.
As far as electronic toothbrushes are concerned, you get the same consistent movement essential for proper cleaning.
Disadvantages of electronic toothbrushes
While there are certain advantages of electronic toothbrushes, there are certain disadvantages as well. Let’s look closely at them:
They are costly
An electric toothbrush belongs on the higher end of the price line. So, if budget is a concern, you can skip it. However, you must ensure that you apply a proper cleaning technique for optimum dental health.
Brushing too aggressively can do more harm than good
Even though this risk also runs with manual toothbrushes as well, brushing too hard can cause bleeding and damage to the gums. Applying excessive pressure using an electric toothbrush can cause gums to recede or deteriorate already existing dental issues.
So, are electric toothbrushes worth the hype?
Yes, it is a definite yes.
While the efficiency of a manual toothbrush may match that of an electric one, the lack of knowledge and proper technique and time required by the manual toothbrush can be an obstacle. In such a scenario, electric toothbrushes can be a quicker solution, all thanks to efficiency and automation.
Electric toothbrushes are also ideal for patients with limited or impaired mobility, who struggle to use a manual brush because it exerts too much pressure. They are also suitable for patients suffering from arthritis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities.
But if you are someone who believes they can maintain optimum dental health without investing heavily in an electric toothbrush, go ahead with manual toothbrushes.
