According to a research review published in 2014, electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes at cleaning plaque from your teeth. If you are still using a manual brush, you may want to consider upgrading to an electronic model. These five tips can help you choose which electric toothbrush is right for you.
1. Rotation Beats Vibration
A 12-week study carried out in 2013 showed that electric toothbrushes that use a rotational motion clean more effectively than ones that use sonic vibrations. Electric toothbrushes with a rotating toothbrush head were more effective at sweeping away plaque and reducing gum inflammation among people who used them for four or twelve weeks.
2. Find Your Cleaning Mode
Some electric toothbrushes offer a variety of cleaning modes, such as sensitive, whitening, and gum care. Some even have a special mode for cleaning your tongue. If you struggle with dental health issues such as sensitive teeth or stained enamel, you might find these modes useful.
3. Timers and Pacers
Most modern electric toothbrushes contain a built-in timer, which lets you know when you have been brushing for two minutes. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes every morning and evening to remove plaque and keep your teeth healthy. However, many people spend those two minutes focusing predominantly on just one part of their mouth. Some electric toothbrushes use a featured called a "pacer" to tackle this problem. Pacers vibrate every 30 seconds to let you know to move onto the next quadrant of your mouth, ensuring that you don't neglect any of your teeth.
4. Do the Brush Heads Meet Your Needs?
In addition to a range of brushing modes, most electric toothbrushes are compatible with a range of brush head options. These may include brush heads with extra-soft bristles for people with sensitive teeth, brush heads with bristles that reach between the teeth for a floss-like interdental clean, and even brush heads designed to clean around braces. Before you buy an electric toothbrush, take a look at the range of brush heads you can use with it to be sure there is one that is right for you.
5. Check the Costs
When considering the costs of an electric toothbrush, don't just look at the price of the brush. You also need to consider how much you will spend on replacement toothbrush heads. Research which brands have the most affordable brush heads to keep your dental costs low.
While an electric toothbrush can help you maintain a healthier mouth, make sure you still go to your dentist.
