One of the keys to maintaining good oral hygiene is brushing our teeth, if possible, After every meal. In addition to wearing a clean and careful smile, Brushing our teeth helps us prevent many oral problems or conditions. However, before this daily routine, A very common doubt appears: Electric or manual toothbrush: Which is better?
SinceMarso Clínica Dental We want to clear all your doubts about toothbrushing. That is why, Let's explainWhat advantages does an electric toothbrush offer over a manual one?, in which cases it is advisable to use one or the other and what aspects you should take into account when choosing your dental cleaning elements. ¡Read!
Is electric or manual toothbrush better??
It is one of the most frequently asked questions among our patients; Is it more effective to use an electric toothbrush than a manual one?? The answer to this question should be unique to each patient, attending to your own oral needs and characteristics.
However, There is a generic key that we must take into account: More important than choosing between an electric or a manual toothbrush is knowing how to apply Proper brushing technique. There is no point in using an electric toothbrush thinking that it is much better, if we don't use it correctly afterwards. In these cases, For example, It is preferable to go for a traditional brush, being as effective as an electric one if we use it well.
Advantages of the electric toothbrush
We have already seen that both the electric and manual toothbrush can be equally effective, as long as they are used appropriately and adapted to the needs of each person. However, It is true thatThe electric toothbrush has some advantages over the traditional one, What are they:
- They allow for aOptimal dental hygiene with less effort.
- They are more effective atprevent plaque and tartar due to the shape of the brush itself.
- Having a long handle and a narrow head, resultmuch more manageable and allows you to reach areas where the manual toothbrush does not access, such as wisdom teeth and other corners where food debris can accumulate.
- ExistHeads with different shapes, but usually all the heads of the electric toothbrushes manage to cover all the teeth, surrounding them and cleaning all their faces and even the interdental area. In the case of manual brushes, is more complex and cleaning is usually limited to the outside of the tooth, I mean, the vestibular area.
- Another advantage is themovement performed by the sows. They automatically rotate in one direction, and at the same time, they do it in the opposite direction. This makes toothbrushing much more effective.
Is the electric or manual toothbrush suitable for everyone??
Now then, Is it advisable to use an electric toothbrush if I have tooth sensitivity or gum problems?, howperiodontitis or gingivitis, For example? Yes, it is; And it is that, contrary to what many of our patients think, Electric toothbrushes are the ideal tool to avoid damaging the gums, precisely, Because it is the brush itself that measures and exerts the necessary pressure, never higher than recommended.
When using a manual toothbrush, However, more force is usually exerted and there is a greater risk that our cleaning will be more aggressive, and therefore, harmful to our oral health.
In addition, The timer on electric toothbrushes lets us know how much time we spend on oral hygiene, which according to the World Health Organization, It should last a minimum of two minutes.
Another frequently asked question about using electric toothbrushes is whether they are suitable for Children's dental hygiene. And the answer is yes; Both the electric and manual are indicated for the dental cleaning of the little ones in the house. In fact, until the child does not meet the 10 o 12 years, They may find it more difficult to use a manual one, while using a children's electric toothbrush, We make sure that your oral cleaning will be complete.
Using the manual toothbrush
However, There are cases in which we do recommend using a manual toothbrush, For example, after surgery, since there would be stitches and the area is usually more sore. In these cases, It would be preferable to use a traditional brush with ultra-soft bristles, so that the patient can control much better the speed and care with which he cleans the treated area.
In any case, if you opt for the use of a manual toothbrush, Our recommendation is always to use aSoft bristle brush that they are at the same level, and that they are not aggressive to the gums.
Brush your teeth after every meal, floss, Use the correct mouthwash when necessary, or don't forget about tongue cleaning, are just some of the most important guidelines to keep in mind when taking care of your teeth, either using an electric or manual toothbrush.
Are you unsure whether to use an electric or manual toothbrush? Would you like to know in your case which is the most recommended?? Don't know if your oral hygiene is correct? Our team of dentists at Marso Clínica Dental They will help you solve all your doubts. Visit us or contact us.