Good oral health begins with proper brushing, whether your toothbrush of choice is manual or electric.
Whichever one you choose, all toothbrushes are designed to remove plaque (bacteria) on the teeth and stimulate the gums to prevent periodontal disease. While manual toothbrushes are effective when combined with regular flossing, clinical studies suggest that electric toothbrushes dislodge plaque more effectively and can reach areas of the mouth that are more difficult to brush.
Not only does brushing technique differ between manual and electric toothbrushes, but it also depends on the electric model you choose. For this reason, it is important to bring your electric toothbrush to your dental hygienist, who will be happy to show you how to maximize its benefits through proper brushing technique.
The electric toothbrush is easy to use by everyone in the family: with the right technique, children can brush just as effectively as adults. What’s more, electric toothbrushes typically have features like timers to keep the brush operative for the recommended brushing length or pressure sensors that stop users from brushing too aggressively, thus avoiding damaging the enamel or gums.
An effective, reliable electric toothbrush can cost between $100 and $200. It can be hard to know which one to choose. We encourage you to ask your dental hygienist for guidance. When you purchase your electric toothbrush, you’ll also receive one or two spare heads. As with a manual toothbrush, the bristles of an electric toothbrush wear out, becoming less effective over time. For this reason, you’re recommended to change the head about every three months.
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This article was written in collaboration with Lapointe Dental Centre dental hygienist Stéphanie Dumais.
