Oral Hygiene: ​Is an electric toothbrush a better alternative to a traditional one? Know the pros and cons​ (2024)

FAQs

Oral Hygiene: ​Is an electric toothbrush a better alternative to a traditional one? Know the pros and cons​? ›

A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. After three months of use, plaque was reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes seem to work better than just vibrating toothbrushes.

A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. After three months of use, plaque was reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes seem to work better than just vibrating toothbrushes.

Actually, yes: Electric toothbrushes are generally considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean than manual toothbrushes. Dental hygienist Denise Stepka, RDH, weighs in on the pros and cons of using an electric toothbrush.

People with braces, permanent retainers, and other orthodontic appliances are greatly benefited from the cleaning-power of an electric toothbrush. Braces make it much harder to effectively clean your mouth so electric toothbrushes counteract much of that difficulty. This is especially true for children with braces.

While enamel is extremely hard and durable, an electric toothbrush used with excessive force can cause the enamel to wear away. This leaves the tooth without protection and can cause issues such as sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.

They are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth, they are easier to use, and they come with built-in timers to help you brush for the recommended time period.

Do dentists recommend using electric toothbrushes over manual toothbrushes? Dr. Erin Fraundorf, owner of BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio outside of St. Louis, said she recommends electric toothbrushes over manual brushes because they make it much easier to thoroughly clean your teeth.

Yes. Oral-B electrical toothbrushes are safe to use, intended for daily usage.

So how do you get rid of your bad breath? Using an electric toothbrush will help you get rid of bad breath by cleaning your teeth and gums. This will help prevent the bacteria on your teeth from breeding and causing bad breath.

Do doctors recommend electric toothbrush? ›

A 2021 meta-analysis of 28 studies provided further evidence that powered toothbrushes seem to have a slight edge over manual ones when it comes to plaque removal.

On average, you can expect electric toothbrushes to last between three and five years. Most manufacturers offer a warranty on electric toothbrushes, between one and two years, so make sure you hold onto your receipt in the event that it doesn't last for its advertised lifespan.

Power toothbrushes provide a powered mechanical cleaning action to help remove plaque. There are two main kinds of power toothbrushes: oscillating-rotating and sonic. Electric toothbrushes can include helpful features such as brushing timers, pressure sensors, brushing modes and specialized brush heads.

At the end of three months, the group using an electric toothbrush showed 20 percent better plaque removal and 11 percent less gingivitis than the group using the manual toothbrush. In studies that ran six months and longer, the benefits of the electric toothbrush were even more pronounced.

Scrubbing back and forth with an electric toothbrush can irritate and wear away at your gums over time, resulting in receding gums. Instead, simply guide your toothbrush along your teeth at a 45 degree angle to your gums – the ideal angle for sweeping away plaque from the gum line.

Absolutely! Using an electric toothbrush every day is generally recommended and can be beneficial for maintaining good oral hygiene. The consistent use of an electric toothbrush helps remove plaque effectively, reaches difficult-to-reach areas, and promotes better overall cleaning compared to manual brushing.

Battery Powered Toothbrush:

Provides a better clean than a manual, but is not at the same level as a rechargeable electric toothbrush. You will still need to brush back and forth, but there's added vibrations to help lift and remove stubborn plaque.