People are often confused about whether they should use a normal toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. This blog will discuss the pros and cons of each and correct brushing technique.
Manual toothbrush
Pros
- Â Thoroughly cleans teeth if using the correct technique
- Cost effective – Toothbrushes can be bought in most shops for a little cost
- Easy to travel with
- No batteries or charging
- Can choose the style, color, and softness you want
Cons
- More physical work required – you have to make the circular motions with your wrist
- No timer – you have to monitor or guess how long you have been brushing for
Electric toothbrush
Pros
- Small head to reach right to the back teeth, especially the cheek side of upper molars
- Has a timer so you know you have been brushing for the correct amount of time
- Easy to use
- Less work – the toothbrush makes the circular motions for you
Cons
- Cost – Electric toothbrushes cost a lot more than manual ones
- You have to charge it or replace its batteries. In general, rechargeable electric toothbrushes are preferred over battery operated ones because there is a tendency to keep using the battery operated toothbrush until the batteries completely run flat; this means your last few cleans are not effective!
- Can be bulky to travel with
How to properly brush your teeth
- For each tooth, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle along the gum line. Move the toothbrush in a small circular motion
- Brush all surfaces of the tooth – the inside, the outside and the chewing surface of each tooth. Be sure to follow the normal contours of the tooth (i.e. the tooth is a bit round, so follow the shape of the tooth as you brush)
- Brush the tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria
- Once finished, spit out excess toothpaste but do not rinse. Rinsing out afterward is like putting on hand cream then washing your hands; you’re washing off all the good stuff! If you feel you have to rinse because it feels a little gritty, try to use the minimum amount of water and rub some toothpaste back in the teeth with your finger.
Both types of toothbrushes are effective if used correctly, and neither one has been shown to be better than the other. It’s fine as long as all surfaces are brushed, especially near the gum line for a minimum of two minutes at least twice a day – after breakfast and before bedtime. Soft bristles are highly recommended as people tend to brush too vigorously because this can cause gum recession, tooth wear, and sensitivity over time. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months as the bristles wear and become ineffective. If you’re still not sure about what type of toothbrush to get, ask one of our friendly dentists, hygienists or oral health therapists for advice.
If you have any questions about your dental health, feel free to Contacts Us and ask our friendly dental team!
