Electric Toothbrushes
When used properly, electric toothbrushes can clean teeth better than manual brushes. They also make it easier to brush all parts of your mouth. But, like all gadgets, they are not foolproof. They can cause damage if too much pressure is applied or they’re not used regularly. Luckily, the vast majority of electric toothbrushes are designed to be as safe as possible.
Most models use a rotating or vibrating head to clean your teeth. The motion is much faster than you can achieve with a manual brush, so it’s important to follow all the usual rules for good oral hygiene. The bristles should be soft, and the brushing technique should cover all surfaces of your teeth and gum line. You should also spend two minutes brushing each surface, and remember to brush your tongue.
Some models come with extra functions to help you keep track of your brushing habits. These can include timers that beep every 30 seconds for two minutes to let you know it’s time to move on to a different part of your mouth, and sensors that warn you if you’re applying too much pressure. Some even connect to your smartphone and allow you to monitor your brushing habits over time.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Actually Good?
Kids might be more interested in using an electric toothbrush reviews than a regular one, and that can be helpful for encouraging healthy oral habits. Some models also have colorful graphics and music, which can make it fun for children to brush their teeth. This may not only be a good way to encourage them, but it could also make them more likely to continue brushing regularly in the future.
But not everyone is convinced that these gadgets are worth the money. Thirty-year-old Kevin Wong, for example, doesn’t like the fact that his brush heads detach from a bulkier handle and can fall on the floor. It also takes him longer to brush his teeth, and he hasn’t noticed that his gums are healthier.
In addition, the batteries in electric toothbrushes usually need to be replaced more often than those in manual toothbrushes. This is because the smaller, more delicate brush head requires a more powerful battery to run than the larger, less dense handle does. These are typically nickel-cadmium or nickel metal hydride, and they’re expensive. (As with many electronic devices, it’s best to try to recycle the batteries rather than throwing them away.)
However, the pros outweigh the cons for most dentists, who say that electric toothbrushes can be more effective than manual ones at removing plaque and keeping teeth and gums healthy. They are also easy to use for people with arthritis or other hand problems, and may be especially useful for kids who have trouble brushing manually. They also tend to cost a little more than manual toothbrushes, but the price difference is usually offset by the fact that you won’t have to buy a new whole brush when the bristles wear out.
