Why is an electric toothbrush better than a regular toothbrush?

It has a two-minute timer:

The proper amount of time to brush your teeth is two minutes. Typically, the average person will brush their teeth for only 30 to 45 seconds before finishing. They stop because it feels like it has been a long time and the teeth feel cleaner than before brushing. By brushing for 30 seconds, you have only removed the macroscopic particles on your teeth. To truly clean on a microscopic level you need 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth. We have found that brushing for the full two minutes to be one of the biggest difference makers to improving your oral health and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

It doesn’t wear down the gum tissue:

            When using a regular toothbrush, many people tend to brush in a ‘sawing’ motion. The toothbrush and the toothpaste have abrasives that can wear down the gums and cause recession. If the gums recede too far, then a surgical procedure is needed to restore the tissue. An electric toothbrush doesn’t require you to use a brushing motion. You can simply move it from tooth to tooth and the motion of the brush head will properly clean the teeth.

The toothbrush doesn’t get distracted (like we all do):

            When we brush our teeth in the morning and before bed, our mind tends to wander. Even if we are a little distracted, the electric toothbrush will continue to do its job. We don’t have to worry that it will scrub too hard in one area and cause recession. It should also beep or vibrate every 30 seconds as a reminder to move on to the next quadrant.

Which one is right for me?
            Talk your dentist or hygienist about all of your options. You don’t have to break the bank to get a great toothbrush. And if you aren’t sure, just ask!

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS