Are There any Benefits to Electric Toothbrushes?

Daily oral hygiene is an essential part of maintaining your natural teeth and promoting good general health. It is always highly recommended that patients brush their teeth twice a day and floss once. But are electric toothbrushes a viable alternative to the old fashioned manual toothbrushes? Here is a quick look at what you should think about when it comes to electric toothbrushes.

Effectiveness

Electric toothbrushes have been proven to be quite effective at whisking away plaque, food debris, and bacteria from our teeth. In fact, there is some evidence that they might actually be better for the gums than manual toothbrushes. It is important to note, however, that the toothbrush is working harder than a manual one, so there is no need to press as hard on the teeth. This can actually cause enamel to slowly wear away, potentially leading to problems. Often regarded as the most effective type is the Sonicare line by Philips.

Safety

Not all electric toothbrushes are the same, with some made from cheaper materials than others. In fact, there have been many reported instances of them breaking off while in the mouth, posing choking hazards and even chipping teeth. The most important way to avoid this problem, however, is to replace the head of the toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become soft or flattened, whichever comes first. It is also vital to inspect your electric toothbrush regularly and ensure that there are no loose parts, or gaps or cracks in the outer casing. Doing so can help you avoid a number of problems, including getting battery burns and the like.

For a review of your brushing habits, contact our expert in dental cleaning in Los Angeles.

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