Reasons You Should ‘Power Up’ Your Toothbrush

In today’s digital age, we are all about efficiency. Whether it is banking, shopping, navigating or tracking daily activity, the current generation can complete all kinds of tasks within minutes or even seconds using a click of a button. It comes to no surprise, therefore, that we also demand efficiency in our oral hygiene routine. In terms of brushing our teeth, how can we get the most bang for our buck? For many, the answer is an electric toothbrush.

Let’s look at the statistics. When it comes to the number of strokes per minute for an electric toothbrush versus a manual version, the difference is noteworthy.  The average person can produce around 200 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush, but an electric toothbrush can generate up to 30,000 strokes per minute! Which do you think will clean your teeth more efficiently and effectively in the recommended two-minute period of brushing time?

Advantages of the Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush essentially does the work for you. All you have to do is place the head of the toothbrush on the surfaces of your teeth and the auto-powered spinning bristles can clear away food debris, plaque and other unwanted substances from your teeth and gums. Whether it is out of laziness or lack of coordination, this is an important benefit for many patients.

Electric toothbrushes are excellent for those who demand excellence with minimal effort on their part. But there are also other types of patients who can benefit from an electric brush over a manual brush:

The lazy brusher — Are you brushing your teeth just to check a box? Are you really doing a thorough job? If you consider yourself lackadaisical in your brushing routine, an electric toothbrush could be your better option.

The aggressive brusher – Some patients are actually too diligent and forceful in their brushing efforts. This can leave the gums irritated or the enamel of the teeth weakened. An electric toothbrush can better moderate the force of your brushing strokes so that you aren’t causing more harm than good.

The young brusher — Little kids enjoy electric toothbrushes because they’re fun gadgets. But even more importantly, electric versions can do a better job for younger patients who haven’t mastered the dexterity and coordination required for proper brushing. 

The elderly brusher — Just like young kids, aging adults can face challenges in dexterity that make brushing difficult. Since electric toothbrushes don’t demand finger and hand dexterity, they can be a perfection solution for elderly patients. Many are also equipped with built-in timers to make it even easier!

Talk to Your Dentist

At Green Dental Alexandria, we always want to hear your questions, concerns and interests as it pertains to your oral hygiene routine at home. We are happy to recommend certain products and tools to make your brushing efforts easier and more efficient when possible.  The American Dental Association recently approved five Oral-B Oscillating-Rotating-Pulsating Power Toothbrushes in September 2017. So if you decide to go electric, make sure you look for that ADA Seal!