Question: Do I need to upgrade from a traditional to an electric toothbrush?

Answer: The short answer to this week’s question is yes!

While traditional toothbrushes get your teeth clean and keep the triple threat of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath at bay, the simple fact is that a good quality electric toothbrush (as opposed to a battery charged model) is superior in keeping your teeth looking and feeling better than you thought was possible other than with a professional dentist’s cleaning. Here are five reasons to take a look at what’s out there when comes to upgrading to an electric toothbrush.

Dentists recommend it

The people who look at our teeth all day, every day should know a thing or two about what is best for them, and when it comes to toothbrushes, dentists and dental associations almost unanimously say that electric is the way to go. A lot of this has to do with the fact that most people do not spend the recommended two minutes brushing their teeth at each session. This is easy to understand when the morning rush is on, and if you find that you have to hurry things first thing, then an electric toothbrush will get your teeth cleaner than a manual each time.

They don’t brush too hard

Along with rushing the number of minutes that we spend brushing, another common mistake when it comes to cleaning our teeth is using the brush too hard. Dentists recommend gently rubbing the brush over the teeth in a vertical, up and down motion, rather than digging in at the mouth. Brushing too hard can cause the gums to recede back toward the top of the mouth and the jaw, leaving the tooth in question exposed. Once this happens, it’s irreversible, and the damage is done permanently.

The good news is that new models of electric toothbrush now come with sensors that will beep or even lessen the force they are using if they detect that you’re going to hard. Your beautiful (and in many cases expensive) smile will never be affected by brushing again!

Cupped Bristles and Changeable Heads = Whiter Teeth!

Many electric toothbrushes now come with specially cupped bristles that polish the teeth and guarantee a whiter finish than would be possible with manual toothbrushes. They work with the sonic and ultrasonic movements of higher end electric brushes and leave all of the teeth with a gleam. You can even experiment with different shaped and aligned heads to find the combination that best suits your mouth. Again, the big winner here is your smile.

Arthritis-Limited Mobility-Manual Dexterity Problems

Electric toothbrushes are also better for those with disabilities and mobility problems. This is because the electric models require the user to simply move the brush slowly over the teeth and allow the rotation sonic head to the work. Manual toothbrushes require a much larger effort and range of movement that is just not possible for many people with dexterity problems.

Timers and Sensors- For Kids!

Finally, if you have little ones who are a struggle to get in front of the mirror twice a day for a whole two minutes, then a kids electric toothbrush could be just what you’re looking for. Many models come in bright colours and are themed with popular animals and cartoons, making them a much more attractive proposition than a standard manual brush. Using an electric toothbrush can also be made into a game, as some models now include a timer that rings when the recommended two minutes of brushing have elapsed, along with the ping that sounds when the sensors pick up that the brush is being used overly hard. The timer starts as soon as the brush touches the teeth and is a great to liven up what is otherwise a daily chore for the under twelves.

Electric toothbrushes make a great Christmas present and your local pharmacy will be able to provide qualified advice on the best models for adults, children, and those with special needs in the coming months. 

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy 2015 www.keanespharmacy.com