Selecting the Right Electric Toothbrush

You know that brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps protect your oral health, but do you know which toothbrush is the most effective? According to a recent study, electric toothbrushes do a much better job of cleaning your teeth and gums than manual toothbrushes. If you’re not using an electric toothbrush, you might want to consider making the switch.

The study took 11 years to complete, and it’s the longest study into the effectiveness of electric versus manual brushing ever undertaken. It reinforces what smaller studies have been saying all along. Electric toothbrushes are very effective at removing plaque, especially if the toothbrushes have oscillating heads that rotate in both directions. Over the 11-year period of research, using electric toothbrushes resulted in 22 percent less gum recession and 18 percent less tooth decay.

Now that we’ve sold you on electric toothbrushes, how do you choose the right one? There are many different toothbrushes on the market, and in some ways, your choice will be subjective: the one you like is the one you’ll be most likely to use, so that’s the best one for you. However, we do have a few guidelines to bear in mind.

  • Your toothbrush should be easy to operate. It should run smoothly and consistently, and not require extensive instructions.
  • The head of the toothbrush should be a good fit for your mouth. It needs to fit comfortably into your mouth and be easy to maneuver around your teeth. It also needs a long enough handle for you to reach the very back of your mouth while you hold it comfortably in your hand.
  • Bristles matter. Bristles that are too hard can wear down your tooth enamel, so go for soft or medium bristles, depending on how vigorously you brush. Look for bristles with rounded tips for further tooth protection.
  • A timer is important. Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, you should be brushing for two minutes. A toothbrush that times you for two minutes, in 30-second intervals, makes this easier.
  • Weigh the cost of a rechargeable against the cost of batteries. Rechargeable models are typically more expensive, but they also garner better reviews. Battery-operated toothbrushes are less expensive initially but may require replacement batteries every couple of weeks.

For dental care in Hazlet, New Jersey, you can trust Glenwood Premier Dental. At Glenwood Premier Dental, we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals is committed to offering a wide range of dental services, exceeding our patients’ expectations, and providing the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, implant dentistry, Invisalign, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477 for more information.