This is one of our most frequently asked questions! Our answer? It’s not so much the wand that matters, but the magician!
Let’s break that down. The goal of tooth brushing is to remove plaque from your teeth on a consistent (daily!) basis, so that we prevent the buildup of tartar which leads to tooth decay. A manual toothbrush is a great and inexpensive tool that helps us do just that. Make sure to brush two minutes per day, twice a day. Gently brush ALL surfaces and make sure to reach those back molars.
However, electronic toothbrushes do carry have some inherent advantages. For one, it can be difficult for some people to brush properly with a manual toothbrush. Those with some form of motor disability or arthritis may benefit from using an electric toothbrush. An electric brush can also be helpful for kids or anyone with braces.
Additionally, heavy-handed brushers (those who over brush and cause gum recession) are better off using electronic brushes. The reason being, they can simply let the toothbrush do the work instead of over scrubbing with a manual brush.
When going electric, the same tooth brushing rules apply – two times per day, two minutes at a time. Another advantage of an electric toothbrush is that some have a built-in timer. If you’re one of those quick brushers who has a hard time making it to two minutes, consider using a timed electric brush.
If you are looking for a recommendation for an electronic brush, we absolutely LOVE the Phillips Sonicare. There are several models to choose from but they all do an excellent job of keeping your teeth clean and healthy (just be careful of the bathroom mirror!).
At your next dental visit, ask us whether we think you would do better with a manual or electric brush! And, as always, don’t forget to floss!