Have you ever stood in the toothbrush aisle of your local grocery store and felt completely overwhelmed by the options? There are literally dozens (if not hundreds!) of colors, designs, and packages to choose from. Of course, one of the first things you need to decide is whether you need a motorized toothbrush or a manual one.
Is there really a difference?
Patients ask this question a lot in our Montreal dental clinic. Let’s take a look!
Manual vs. Motorized Toothbrushes
It is possible to effectively brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush, but you have to understand the proper technique to really get the job done right.
Motorized toothbrushes take of the right motions for you, offering greater benefits over their manual counterparts.
- Reduction of Plaque. The human hand can only go back and forth so fast when you’re using a manual toothbrush. According to Consumer Reports, motorized toothbrushes reduce dental plaque 21 percent more than manual toothbrushes.
- Reduction of Gingivitis. Since plaque leads to gingivitis, it makes sense that motorized toothbrushes also help prevent gum disease. When patients come to our Montreal dental clinic with inflamed gums, we typically suggest the use of a motorized toothbrush. When used correctly, many patients will start to experience relief in about three months.
- Ease of Use. People who have arthritis or other dexterity issues often benefit from motorized toothbrushes simply because these tools oscillate, rotate, and spin in ways their hand or arm muscles don’t allow them to do with manual toothbrushes. If you find it difficult to brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly due to dexterity issues, try switching to a motorized toothbrush to see if that remedies the problem.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Motorized Toothbrush
All motorized toothbrushes are not created equal. They have different functions, sizes, and designs; some options may be better for you than others. Talk to your dentist to ensure you choose a model that’s optimal for your unique oral health situation.
Various motorized toothbrushes might include features such as:
- Rotating or oscillating heads
- Ultrasonic pulses
- Adjustable power levels
- Timers
- Rechargeable batteries
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, and don’t overbrush. Doing so can eliminate the enamel on your teeth, leading to sensitivity and pain.
Centre Dentaire is the dental clinic Montreal residents trust for beautiful smiles and great oral health. Schedule your initial visit with our team today!