Your oral hygiene is of the utmost importance. The mouth is one of the main entryways into the body, and therefore, oral health is always associated with general health. In fact, many studies have proved that gum disease is closely related to eye problems, heart problems, obesity, as well as more serious conditions such as preterm birth. For these reasons and more, your oral hygiene should be pretty high on your list of concerns. To keep your oral hygiene at an optimum level, there are a few actions you should take care of, particularly brushing and flossing, among others. A question as old as time, one that is always asked to dentists around the world is: manual vs electric toothbrush, which should I use and which is best for me? We are here to put your mind at ease and try to answer that lifelong question.
The Main Components Of A Healthy Oral Hygiene Regimen
Every dentist or hygienist would create a specific plan for you. Your personalized oral healthcare plan suits you best, taking into consideration the level of your current oral hygiene, your manual dexterity, if you wear any dentures or have heavy restorations or braces, and of course your lifestyle and work schedule. So basically, every oral hygiene plan is a bit different from the others. However, there are a few key components which are:
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Brushing:
The act of brushing itself cannot be disregarded. In most cases, brushing twice a day, once before bedtime, is the adopted schedule to fit most needs. The selection of the brush ( in other words manual vs electric toothbrush) depends on several factors, but more on that later on.
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Flossing:
Often ignored but never to be disregarded. Only flossing can clean those shielded areas that are difficult to clean between the teeth. You don’t have to use string floss if that doesn’t work for you, as many options are available on the market. You can use an interdental brush, an air flosser, or the very popular and highly effective water flosser.
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Mouthwash:
Mouthwash is not an essential part of the oral hygiene regimen, but it certainly helps. The type of mouthwash depends on your condition. There are mouthwashes to treat gum disease, those to treat sensitivity, and those that can take care of bad breath.
Are Manual Toothbrushes Better Than Electric?
Manual toothbrushes are the gold standard of teeth cleaning. If you use them correctly and frequently, they will certainly do their job of cleaning teeth. Many designs are now available on the market, but you can never beat the good ole flat toothbrush with a suitably sized head.
That being said, manual toothbrushes are not magic, and they certainly have their drawbacks. You need to change them every few months to keep the germs at bay, and they tend to bristle and fray over time which could injure your gums. So in your quest to solve the question of manual vs electric toothbrush, take these points into consideration.
Do You Really Need An Electric Toothbrush?
To be frank, no one really “needs” an electric toothbrush. As we explained, you can’t beat the flat toothbrush if you use it correctly and with repetition. However, electric toothbrushes trump manual toothbrushes in the manual vs electric toothbrush debate in certain situations such as:
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Braces Wearers:
If you ever wore braces or know someone who does, then you know how difficult it is to properly clean the teeth with braces on. The brackets by design tend to trap food and plaque around them and try as you could, you just can’t get them clean enough. Not only that, but plaque tends to accumulate more at the gum level, which you can’t reach easily. Electric toothbrushes make cleaning around braces much easier. Their power-driven heads circle the braces creating a whirlpool of water and toothpaste, which can wash away even the stickiest plaque.
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Heavily Restored Teeth:
If you are a frequent flier at the dental office and have a lot of work done on your teeth, then the regular methods aren’t working for you. The manual brush isn’t doing its job right, and so a switch to an electric toothbrush is warranted.
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Patients With Reduced Dexterity:
Children and patients who can’t properly hold a manual toothbrush cannot possibly get the full benefit from them. With electric toothbrushes, you don’t need to exert any effort at all. Just switch on the brush and hold it against each tooth for a few seconds and you’re set.
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Patients For Whom Time Is Of The Essence:
Using an electric toothbrush shave off a few seconds of your oral hygiene regimen time compared to manual toothbrushes. We know that the difference is not that significant, but it can make a difference in the lives of some people.
Drawbacks Of Electric Toothbrushes
With improper use, electric toothbrushes may prove too powerful for some people. This increased power can damage the gums, not to mention wear away the teeth in time. Not only that, but they cost significantly more than traditional manual toothbrushes. The price can be a big issue for some people seeking the true answer to the manual vs electric toothbrush debate.
Final Verdict: Manual Vs Electric Toothbrush: Which One To Get?
As we explained, each type has its own merits and drawbacks. You should start with a manual toothbrush as it is easier to use, cheaper, and more readily available. However, if you, your dentist, or hygienist finds that the regular toothbrush isn’t doing enough (like the situations mentioned above), then by all means go ahead and switch to electric.
If you need more information on the everlasting question of manual vs electric toothbrushes, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Jerek Petrous, Dr. John Marx, and the team at Petrous Orthodontics. If you have any questions pertaining to Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces and clear braces, or how to take better care of your teeth in Warren or Madison Heights MI, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jerek Petrous or Dr. John Marx contact Petrous Orthodontics at (248) 588-2020