Month: August 2021

The Pros and Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Brushing at least twice a day is one of the steps needed to maintain good oral health. In today’s market, there are numerous dental tools available to choose from to keep teeth healthy and clean. One of these is the electric toothbrush. Many of our patients wonder what the pros and cons of using the toothbrushes are.

Here’s a list of the benefits and drawbacks of electric toothbrushes:

Pros of Electric Toothbrushes

With proper use, traditional toothbrushes can get the job of cleaning your teeth done, but electric toothbrushes are another option. Wondering if they’re worth it? Check out the pros:

  • More effective: In a comparison study of manual versus electric toothbrushes, they found that electric toothbrushes reduced gingivitis and plaque among participants.
  • Comes with a timer: This feature in the electric toothbrush ensures that you brush your teeth sufficiently long enough to remove plaque from your gums and teeth. There’s no need to monitor your brushing time, allowing you to focus more on your brushing.
  • Helpful for people with orthodontic applications: The toothbrushes simplify brushing, which is beneficial for people with braces or other dental applications.
  • Kid-approved: Some kids dislike toothbrushing. However, using an electric toothbrush may grab their interest and help promote good dental habits.
  • Gentle on gums: With proper use, electric toothbrushes are safe and should not harm your gums.
  • Great for people with reduced mobility: Since an electric toothbrush will do most of the work in brushing your teeth, it’s an excellent option for people with reduced mobility. This includes people with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, seniors, or people with developmental disabilities.

Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes come with a few drawbacks, too. Check out the following:

  • Costly: An electric toothbrush is usually more expensive than a traditional one. The price of disposable electric brushes can range from $5 to $8 excluding batteries, while non-disposable cost $15 to $250 each.
  • Require head replacement: Your electric toothbrush needs head replacement now and then. This may not be easy because not all stores carry all brands or models. While you can purchase online, this option isn’t helpful if you need the replacement immediately.
  • Susceptible to damage: Electric toothbrushes need more care than manual ones to ensure that their internal workings and wirings remain intact for them to function normally.
  • Not for everyone: Plug-in electric toothbrushes may not be compatible with all electrical outlets, which can be a problem for people who travel globally. Also, not all people like the vibrating feeling of electric toothbrush.

Ensure Proper Dental Health Care

Proper dental care doesn’t end at selecting a toothbrush. There are other steps involved, such as dental cleaning and regular dental checkups. A dental checkup will help to look out for problems before they get worse. Our dental clinic in Bowie, MD, is committed to giving you dental care services that you’ll appreciate. Come and visit us today!